Prolonged exposure to loud noise can take a significant toll on your hearing health, especially in environments where sound levels go above safe thresholds. It is important to shield your ears, not only to prevent hearing damage, but also to help you pay attention in loud surroundings. What is the best way to select the degree of hearing protection that is suitable for you?
Interpreting noise volume and its results
Noise damage depends not only on the loudness of the sound but also on how much time you are exposed to it. Decibels are the central measurement tool for noise, measuring the intensity of sound. Hearing damage can start when sound intensity reaches 85 dB or more, especially after long-term exposure.
As a frame of reference, 85 dB is roughly the same volume as the sound of city traffic perceived from within a car. While this may not seem overly loud, non-stop exposure for eight hours can begin to harm your hearing. As the sound gets louder, the amount of time you can be exposed securely decreases:
- A sound level of 90 dB (e.g., a Lawnmower) can cause damage after 4 hours of exposure.
- Exposure to 100 dB (Power tools) must be restricted to a maximum of 60 minutes.
- At 110 dB (Leaf blower), damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes of exposure.
- 120 dB (Rock concert): Any exposure at this level can damage your hearing.
- 140 dB (Jet engine): Immediate damage and pain can occur.
Determining dangerous levels of noise
It is paramount to use hearing protection if your regular exposure is to noise levels exceeding 85 dB. This is especially true in professional settings like building areas, factories, or any environment where machinery, tools, or gear produce too much noise.
You can encounter dangerous noise levels even in recreational pursuits—such as attending shows, utilizing leaf blowers, or shooting sports—making hearing protection smart outside of a job setting.
Choosing protection based on Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR)
Hearing protection performance is measured using the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) scale. This rating signifies how much sound the unit can reduce, given in dB. Higher NRR values deliver more substantial protection. To give a concrete example, a 30 dB NRR on earplugs would decrease an 85 dB noise down to 55 dB, which is a sound level well under the unsafe limit.
When deciding on your protection, you should think about the actual noise intensity you are exposed to and confirm the device provides the necessary blockage to keep the sound below 85 dB.
Consistency relies on comfort: why it’s so crucial
While the NRR is a critical factor, comfort plays an equally important role in guaranteeing continuous use. An ill-fitting or awkward protective device increases the inclination to remove it, which leaves your ears to harmful noise.
Choosing comfortable hearing protection ensures consistent wear, thus reducing the threat that you will be exposed to noise intermittently. Consider if, for example, your earmuffs are too heavy or uncomfortable, you could remove them now and then, leaving your ears vulnerable to hazardous noise.
Different types of hearing protection available
A variety of hearing protection devices are available, all with their own set of advantages and disadvantages:
- Foam Earplugs are worn in the ear canal and deliver excellent protection; they are disposable and light, but not everyone finds them comfortable.
- 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.
- Earmuffs, which cover the entire ear, are well-suited for environments with changing noise levels due to how easy they are to take on and off, but they can be heavy or hot during prolonged use.
Choosing the right type is dictated by your comfort and the demands of your surroundings. By way of illustration, a construction worker might choose earmuffs for their convenience, while someone working in a factory may select earplugs for all-day use.
Ensuring uninterrupted use
The most effective hearing protection is the one you’ll wear steadily. Interrupting the use, even for a short time, may have permanent consequences for your hearing. It is extremely important to find a solution that strikes a balance between comfort, protection, and convenience for this reason.
Securing your auditory longevity
While noise is always present in our daily lives, using the appropriate hearing protection enables you to protect your ears and continue to enjoy the sounds of the world.
Contact us now to discuss your potential for hearing loss from noise and the optimal ways to safeguard your hearing.