Prolonged exposure to loud noise can take a heavy toll on your hearing health, chiefly in environments where sound levels surpass safe thresholds. It is imperative to shield your ears, not only to prevent hearing damage, but also to help you focus in loud surroundings. What is the best way to select the level of hearing protection that is suitable for you?
How noise levels impact your hearing
The impacts of noise exposure aren’t just about loudness but also the period of exposure. The main measurement for understanding noise levels is dB, a unit used to express sound intensity. When sound levels get to 85 dB or higher, they can begin to injure your hearing, especially with extended exposure.
As a frame of reference, 85 dB is approximately the same loudness as the sound of city traffic heard from within a car. While this may not seem too loud, non-stop exposure for eight hours can begin to harm your hearing. The more intense the sound, the less the safe exposure time:
- Damage can happen with up to 4 hours of exposure at 90 dB (Lawnmower).
- 100 dB (Power tools): Limit exposure to 1 hour or less.
- Damage is possible after only 15 minutes at the 110 dB level (Leaf blower).
- 120 dB (Rock concert): Any exposure at this level can damage your hearing.
- Exposure to 140 dB (Jet engine) results in immediate damage and intense pain.
Determining damaging levels of noise
It is paramount to use hearing protection if your routine exposure is to noise levels surpassing 85 dB. This is chiefly true in job sites like building areas, factories, or any setting where equipment, tools, or gear produce too much noise.
Even outside of the job, there are situations where hearing protection can be helpful—attending shows, using leaf blowers, or engaging in recreational shooting sports are all pursuits that can expose you to hazardous noise levels.
Using NRR to choose the right hearing protection
The performance of hearing protection is evaluated by its Noise Reduction Rating (the NRR). Quantified in decibels, this figure signifies the degree of sound blockage the protector offers. Higher rating values provide better protection. To give a concrete example, a 30 dB NRR on earplugs would lower an 85 dB noise down to 55 dB, which is a sound level well under the dangerous limit.
To make a good selection, you should evaluate the specific noise intensity you are exposed to and confirm the device provides the necessary reduction to keep the volume below 85 dB.
Comfort is vital: the foundation to steady protection
The NRR is undoubtedly significant, but comfort is a similarly significant component in achieving continuous, sustained use. You might be likely to take off the protection if it is uncomfortable or awkward, thereby exposing your ears to harmful sound.
Choosing well-fitting hearing protection ensures consistent wear, thus reducing the threat that you will be exposed to noise intermittently. For example, if earmuffs are too bulky or lead to discomfort, you may be inclined to remove them occasionally, subjecting your ears to hazardous noise levels.
A look at the multiple options of hearing protection
A variety of hearing protection devices are on offer, 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 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 tastes and the requirements imposed by your setting. By way of illustration, a construction worker might choose earmuffs for their convenience, while someone working in a factory may prefer earplugs for uninterrupted use.
Making sure you wear it constantly
To ensure maximum efficacy, you must select the hearing protection you will wear consistently. Even a short period without protection can cause permanent harm on your auditory health. It is absolutely necessary to identify a solution that strikes a balance between comfort, protection, and convenience for this purpose.
Taking steps for long-lasting hearing protection
We are always enclosed by noise, yet choosing the correct protective gear guarantees your ears are safeguarded, allowing you to keep enjoying your acoustic environment.
Connect with us today to review your potential of noise-induced hearing loss and find out how to optimally protect your hearing health.