Exposure to noise for long periods poses a major risk to your auditory health, particularly in locations where the sound volume goes beyond safety thresholds. Protecting your ears is essential—not only for preventing hearing loss but also for keeping focus in noisy surroundings. The question then is, how do you ascertain the correct level of protection needed for your specific needs?
Interpreting noise volume and its results
The impacts of noise exposure aren’t just about loudness but also the duration of exposure. dB’s are the crucial unit for measuring sound levels and measuring sound intensity. When sound levels reach 85 dB or higher, they can begin to injure your hearing, particularly with sustained exposure.
As a frame of reference, 85 dB is roughly the same volume as the sound of city traffic perceived from within a car. Though this loudness might not seem excessive, spending eight hours in it non-stop can cause hearing impairment. The safe duration for exposure shrinks proportionally as the noise level rises:
- 90 dB (Lawnmower): Up to 4 hours of exposure can be harmful.
- Exposure to 100 dB (Power tools) must be restricted to a maximum of 60 minutes.
- At 110 dB (Leaf blower), damage can be caused in as little as 15 minutes of exposure.
- Even momentary exposure to 120 dB (e.g., a Rock concert) is enough to cause hearing damage.
- Exposure to 140 dB (Jet engine) results in immediate damage and intense pain.
Identifying dangerous noise levels
If you’re regularly exposed to noise levels of 85 dB or more, wearing hearing protection is vital. The requirement for protection is greater in work environments, including factories and construction, or in any place where machinery, equipment, or devices create significant noise.
You can encounter dangerous noise levels even in recreational hobbies—such as attending concerts, utilizing leaf blowers, or shooting sports—making hearing protection smart outside of a job setting.
Choosing protection with the aid of Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR)
We evaluate the efficacy of hearing protection through its Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). Quantified in decibels, this figure signifies the level of sound blockage the device offers. A greater decrease in sound is guaranteed by higher NRR ratings. An example is a pair of earplugs with a 30 dB NRR, which could drop an 85 dB sound to 55 dB, thereby keeping you safely within the bounds of safe exposure.
When making your choice, evaluate the particular noise intensity you are facing and confirm that the protection reduces the sound below the 85 dB limit.
Comfort is crucial for continuous use of protection
Although the NRR is important, comfort is equally important for ensuring that the protection will be used consistently over time. An uncomfortable or awkward protective device increases the temptation to remove it, which leaves your ears to harmful noise.
When the protection is comfortable, it encourages continuous use and minimizes the threat associated with removing it periodically. Imagine if, for example, your earmuffs are too heavy or ill-fitting, you could remove them now and then, leaving your ears exposed to dangerous noise.
The main types of hearing protection devices
There are a few different forms of hearing protection, and each has its own benefits and cons:
- Inside the ear canal, Foam Earplugs provide superb noise reduction. They are disposable and light, yet some individuals may find them uncomfortable.
- Pre-Molded Earplugs are positioned slightly outside the ear canal; they are reusable—a more sustainable choice—and are also easier to handle than foam earplugs.
- Earmuffs: Earmuffs cover the entire ear and are ideal for environments with fluctuating noise levels, as they’re easy to put on and take off. However, they may feel heavy or warm during extended use.
The optimal type of protection to select is determined by your own comfort and the requirements of the environment you are in. By way of illustration, a construction worker might select earmuffs for their convenience, while someone working in a factory may select earplugs for continuous use.
Committing to unwavering hearing protection wear
The most effective hearing protection is always the device that you steadily keep in place. Stopping the use, even for a short time, may have long-term consequences for your hearing. Therefore, it is vital to find a product that offers the perfect balance of protection, comfort, and convenience.
Ensure your long-term hearing health
While noise is ever present in our daily lives, using the proper hearing protection enables you to safeguard your ears and still enjoy the sounds of the world.
Speak with us today to review your potential of noise-induced hearing loss and learn how to optimally protect your hearing health.