Exposure to noise for prolonged periods poses a serious risk to your auditory health, particularly in environments where the sound intensity surpasses safety thresholds. You must protect your ears; this is crucial for more than preventing hearing loss—it also helps you keep focus amidst noisy conditions. What is the best way to select the level of hearing protection that is right for you?
Gaining insight into sound intensity and its consequences
When considering the impact of noise, the duration of exposure is as important as the sound’s loudness. The key measurement for assessing noise levels is dB, a unit used to express sound intensity. Once noise hits a level of 85 dB or above, it presents a danger to your hearing, mainly if the exposure is lengthy.
As a frame of context, 85 dB is about the same volume as the sound of city traffic heard from within a car. While this may not seem too loud, uninterrupted exposure for eight hours can start to damage your hearing. As the sound gets louder, the duration of time you can be exposed securely decreases:
- 90 dB (Lawnmower): Up to 4 hours of exposure can be harmful.
- Keep your exposure to 100 dB (Power tools) to less than 1 hour.
- At 110 dB (Leaf blower), damage can occur 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.
- A sound level of 140 dB (Jet engine) can cause instant pain and damage.
Determining harmful levels of noise
You must wear hearing protection when frequently exposed to 85 dB or louder volumes. This is particularly true in job sites like construction sites, manufacturing plants, or any environment where machinery, tools, or gear produce high noise.
Hearing protection is also beneficial outside of the workplace; activities like attending music shows, operating leaf blowers, or participating in shooting sports can expose you to hazardous sound levels.
Choosing protection using Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR)
The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is the standard metric used to measure how well hearing protection functions. Stated in dB, this figure indicates the level of sound blockage the protective unit is able to block. More significant protection is shown by a larger NRR number. As an illustration, earplugs rated at 30 dB NRR will lower an 85 dB noise to 55 dB, ensuring you remain securely below the danger boundary.
When deciding on your protection, you should assess the actual noise intensity you are exposed to and confirm the device offers the necessary reduction to keep the volume below 85 dB.
Comfort matters: the foundation to steady protection
Comfort is a factor of similar significance to the NRR, as it directly influences whether you will use the protection consistently for the long haul. If the hearing protection is bulky or uncomfortable, you are inclined to remove it, which results in your hearing vulnerable against hazardous noise.
When the protection is easy to wear, it encourages constant use and reduces the danger associated with removing it periodically. Imagine if, for example, your earmuffs are too heavy or ill-fitting, you could remove them from time to time, leaving your ears vulnerable to dangerous noise.
A look at the multiple forms of hearing protection
Hearing protection comes in various forms, each with its 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.
- Being reusable and resting just outside the ear canal, Pre-Molded Earplugs are a more sustainable choice and are also easier to insert and remove than foam earplugs.
- Covering 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.
The ideal type of protection to choose is determined by your own preference and the requirements of the setting you are in. By way of example, a construction worker might choose earmuffs for their simplicity, while someone working in a factory may select earplugs for continuous use.
Maintaining uninterrupted use of protection
The best hearing protection is always the device that you steadily keep in place. Taking off the protection for even a short time of minutes can result in long-term harm to your hearing. For this reason, it is crucial to find a product that offers the right balance of protection, comfort, and convenience.
Protect your hearing for the long haul
We are always surrounded by noise, yet choosing the right protective device guarantees your ears are safeguarded, allowing you to continue enjoying your acoustic surroundings.
Reach out to us today to talk about your risk of noise-related hearing loss and how to best protect your hearing health.