Exposure to noise for sustained periods poses a considerable risk to your auditory health, particularly in locations where the sound intensity surpasses safety thresholds. Protecting your ears is imperative—not only for preventing hearing loss but also for preserving focus in noisy surroundings. So, how do you choose the right level of hearing protection for your situation?
The importance of knowing noise levels and effects
Noise damage relies not only on the loudness of the sound but also on how long you are exposed to it. Decibels are the central measurement metric for noise, measuring the strength of sound. Hearing damage can initiate when sound intensity hits 85 dB or more, particularly after extended exposure.
Consider that 85 dB matches the intensity of city traffic noise perceived while sitting in a car. Though this loudness might not appear excessive, spending eight hours in it non-stop can lead to hearing impairment. The safe duration for exposure lessens proportionally as the noise level increases:
- 90 dB (Lawnmower): Up to 4 hours of exposure can be harmful.
- You should keep exposure to 100 dB (such as Power tools) to one hour or less.
- 110 dB (Leaf blower): Just 15 minutes of exposure can cause damage.
- Your hearing can be harmed by any exposure to a 120 dB sound (Rock concert).
- 140 dB (Jet engine): Immediate damage and pain can occur.
Determining damaging levels of noise
Anyone frequently around noise at 85 dB or higher, hearing protection becomes an essential requirement. The requirement for protection is amplified in work environments, including factories and construction, or in any place where engines, equipment, or tools create major noise.
You can encounter unsafe noise levels even in recreational activities—such as attending shows, utilizing leaf blowers, or shooting sports—making hearing protection helpful outside of a job setting.
How the Noise Reduction Rating guides your decision
We assess the efficacy of hearing protection through its Noise Reduction Rating (the NRR). Quantified in dB, this figure signifies the degree of sound blockage the protector offers. Higher NRR values deliver greater protection. An example is a pair of earplugs with a 30 dB NRR, which could lower an 85 dB sound to 55 dB, thereby keeping you securely within the parameters of safe exposure.
When choosing hearing protection, evaluate the specific noise levels you’re exposed to and ensure your choice provides enough reduction to stay below the 85 dB limit.
Why comfort is crucial for wearing hearing protection all the time
While the NRR is a critical factor, comfort plays a similarly important role in guaranteeing long-term use. When the hearing protection is cumbersome or uncomfortable, you are inclined to remove it, which leaves your hearing unprotected against harmful noise.
Comfortable hearing protection fosters continuous use, reducing the risk of periodic exposure. If, for example, earmuffs feel uncomfortable or weigh too much, you are likely to take them off intermittently, resulting in dangerous noise exposure.
A look at the different types of hearing protection
Hearing protection is available in multiple forms, each with its benefits and drawbacks:
- Foam Earplugs: These sit inside the ear canal and offer excellent noise reduction. They’re lightweight and disposable but may feel uncomfortable for some users.
- Resting right outside the ear canal, Pre-Molded Earplugs are reusable and thus a more eco-friendly choice. They are simpler to take out and put in than their foam counterparts.
- Enclosing the whole ear, Earmuffs are perfect for settings where noise volume changes, as they can be easily removed and replaced. Their drawbacks include potentially feeling warm or heavy over a long period.
Your selection should be informed by your comfort tastes and the criteria imposed by your setting. For instance, workers in construction may favor the ease of use of earmuffs, while factory personnel might choose earplugs for all-day wear.
Committing to consistent hearing protection wear
The most effective hearing protection is always the protector that you steadily keep in place. Removing the protection for even a short time of minutes can result in permanent harm to your hearing. For this purpose, finding a product that balances protection, comfort, and convenience is vital.
Ensure your future hearing health
While noise is ever present in our daily lives, using the proper hearing protection enables you to shield your ears and still enjoy the sounds of the world.
Speak with us now to discuss your risk of noise-induced hearing loss and find out how to best preserve your hearing health.