Prolonged exposure to loud noise can take a severe toll on your hearing health, particularly in environments where sound levels go above safe thresholds. It is vital to shield your ears, not just to avoid hearing damage, but also to help you concentrate in loud environments. The question then is, how do you determine the best level of protection necessary for your specific situation?

Interpreting noise volume and its results

The harm caused by noise exposure is a result of both its intensity and the period spent in that environment. We use dB—a unit that measures sound volume—as the best metric for comprehending noise levels. Once noise reaches a level of 85 dB or above, it carries a risk to your hearing, mainly if the exposure is lengthy.

As a frame of reference, 85 dB is approximately the same volume as the sound of city traffic heard from within a car. Though this volume might not seem excessive, spending eight hours in it continuously can lead to hearing impairment. As the sound increases in volume, the duration of time you can be exposed safely decreases:

• 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.
• 120 dB (Rock concert): Any exposure at this level can damage your hearing.
• A sound level of 140 dB (Jet engine) can cause instant pain and damage.

Pinpointing noise levels that cause harm

You must wear hearing protection when routinely exposed to 85 dB or louder sounds. Such protection is most important in industrial settings, including plants and construction sites, or other places where high noise is produced by devices, equipment, or engines.

Even outside of the workplace, there are situations where hearing protection can be beneficial—attending concerts, using leaf blowers, or engaging in recreational shooting sports are all pursuits that can expose you to hazardous noise levels.

Choosing protection based on Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR)

Hearing protection effectiveness is rated using the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) scale. Quantified in dB, this figure shows the degree of sound blockage the device offers. More substantial protection is signified by a larger NRR value. As an example, earplugs rated at 30 dB NRR will lower an 85 dB noise to 55 dB, guaranteeing you remain safely below the danger limit.

In choosing protection, you must evaluate the exact noise levels you are exposed to and confirm your chosen device reduces the volume sufficiently to remain under 85 dB.

Comfort is crucial for continuous use of protection

The NRR is undoubtedly significant, but comfort is a similarly significant component in achieving consistent, long-term use. If hearing protection feels discomforting or bulky, you may be likely to remove it—leaving your ears exposed to hazardous noise.

When the protection is easy to wear, it promotes continuous use and reduces the risk associated with removing it intermittently. If, for example, earmuffs feel uncomfortable or are too heavy, you are likely to take them off periodically, resulting in hazardous noise exposure.

The main categories of hearing protection devices

There are several different types of hearing protection, and each has its own benefits and disadvantages:

• Inserted into the ear canal, Foam Earplugs provide superb noise reduction. They are disposable and light, yet some individuals may find them uncomfortable.
• 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 enclose the ear completely; they are best for varying noise environments because of their ease of removal and donning. A common disadvantage is that they can feel warm or heavy with continuous wear.

Your selection should be based on your comfort preferences and the requirements imposed by your setting. For illustration, workers in construction may favor the convenience of earmuffs, while factory staff might choose earplugs for continuous wear.

Maintaining uninterrupted use of protection

The protection that is used without fail is, by nature, the most effective kind. Any lapse in use, even for a short period of minutes, can have permanent consequences for your hearing health. Consequently, it is vital to find a product that offers the right balance of protection, comfort, and convenience.

Safeguard your hearing for the long term

While noise is ever present in our daily lives, using the proper hearing protection enables you to protect your ears and continue to appreciate the sounds of the world.

Call us today to talk about your potential for hearing loss from noise and the most effective ways to safeguard your hearing.