Your hearing health can be drastically affected by sustained noise exposure, especially in settings where noise intensity is greater than safe limits. It is important to shield your ears, not just to prevent hearing damage, but also to help you focus in loud settings. So, how do you find the right level of hearing protection for your situation?
How noise levels influence your hearing
Noise damage depends not only on the volume of the sound but also on how long you are exposed to it. Decibels are the central measurement metric for noise, quantifying the strength of sound. Once noise reaches a level of 85 dB or above, it creates a threat to your hearing, mainly if the exposure is prolonged.
As a frame of context, 85 dB is roughly the same volume as the sound of city traffic perceived from within a car. Though this loudness might not appear excessive, spending eight hours in it non-stop can cause hearing impairment. As the sound intensifies, the amount of time you can be exposed securely decreases:
- 90 dB (Lawnmower): Up to 4 hours of exposure can be harmful.
- You should keep exposure to 100 dB (such as Power tools) to one hour or less.
- 110 dB (Leaf blower): Just 15 minutes of exposure can cause damage.
- Even momentary exposure to 120 dB (e.g., a Rock concert) is enough to cause hearing damage.
- Immediate pain and damage are possible at 140 dB (Jet engine).
Pinpointing noise levels that are risky
If you’re regularly exposed to noise levels of 85 dB or more, wearing hearing protection is necessary. This is chiefly true in job sites like construction sites, manufacturing plants, or any environment where machinery, devices, or gear produce too much noise.
You can encounter hazardous noise levels even in recreational pursuits—such as attending concerts, utilizing leaf blowers, or shooting sports—making hearing protection wise outside of a job setting.
The function of Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR) in choosing
The Noise Reduction Rating (the NRR) is the key metric employed to measure how well hearing protection performs. Quantified in decibels, this figure signifies the level of sound reduction the protector offers. Higher NRR values provide better protection. As an example, earplugs rated at 30 dB NRR will decrease an 85 dB noise to 55 dB, ensuring you remain safely below the danger 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 reduction to keep the volume below 85 dB.
Why comfort is necessary for wearing hearing protection all the time
Comfort is a factor of similar importance to the NRR, as it strongly influences whether you will wear the protection consistently for the extended period. You might be likely to take off the protection if it is uncomfortable or cumbersome, thereby subjecting your ears to hazardous sound.
The more comfortable the device, the more likely you are to use it continuously, which significantly reduces the threat of intermittent exposure. For example, if earmuffs are too bulky or cause discomfort, you may be inclined to remove them occasionally, subjecting your ears to hazardous noise levels.
Exploring the different forms of ear protection
A range of hearing protection options are on offer, all with their own set of benefits and disadvantages:
- Foam Earplugs: These sit inside the ear canal and offer excellent noise reduction. They’re lightweight and disposable but may feel uncomfortable for some users.
- 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 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.
The perfect type of protection to select is determined by your own comfort and the needs of the environment you are in. Construction workers, for instance, might prefer the convenience provided by earmuffs, whereas factory employees may opt for earplugs for constant wear.
Committing to unwavering hearing protection wear
The most effective hearing protection is the one you’ll wear steadily. Even a short period without protection can result in lasting harm on your auditory health. An option that successfully merges convenience, protection, and comfort is, therefore, critical.
Taking steps for permanent hearing protection
While noise is always present in our daily lives, using the proper hearing protection enables you to shield your ears and still appreciate the sounds of the world.
Connect with us today to review your risk of noise-induced hearing loss and find out how to optimally protect your hearing health.