Your hearing health can be drastically affected by extended noise exposure, chiefly in settings where noise intensity surpasses safe limits. You must protect your ears; this is important for more than preventing hearing loss—it also helps you keep focus despite noisy conditions. So, how do you find the best level of hearing protection for your needs?
How noise levels affect your hearing
Noise damage relies not only on the volume of the sound but also on how much time you are exposed to it. The primary measurement for understanding noise levels is decibels, a unit employed to express sound loudness. Once noise gets to a level of 85 dB or above, it creates a threat to your hearing, mainly if the exposure is prolonged.
Consider that 85 dB equals the intensity of city traffic noise heard while sitting in a car. Though this volume might not seem excessive, spending eight hours in it non-stop can cause hearing impairment. The louder the sound, the less the safe exposure time:
- 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.
- 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 frequent exposure is to noise levels surpassing 85 dB. This is primarily true in professional settings like building areas, factories, or any location where machinery, tools, or gear produce high noise.
Hearing protection is also valuable outside of the job; pursuits like attending music concerts, operating leaf blowers, or participating in shooting sports can expose you to hazardous sound levels.
Selecting hearing protection: Noise Reduction Ratings
Hearing protection performance is measured using the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) scale. The NRR value shows the level of sound blockage, stated in dB, that the unit provides. A more substantial decrease in sound is guaranteed by higher NRR ratings. As an example, earplugs rated at 30 dB NRR will decrease an 85 dB noise to 55 dB, guaranteeing you remain safely below the danger boundary.
When choosing hearing protection, evaluate the exact noise levels you’re exposed to and ensure your choice provides enough blockage to stay below the 85 dB threshold.
Comfort matters: the essential to consistent protection
Although the NRR is paramount, comfort is equally important for ensuring that the protection will be worn consistently over time. You might be likely to take off the protection if it is ill-fitting or awkward, thereby subjecting your ears to harmful sound.
Choosing well-fitting hearing protection ensures continuous wear, thus lowering the threat that you will be exposed to noise occasionally. Imagine if, for example, your earmuffs are too heavy or uncomfortable, you could remove them from time to time, leaving your ears vulnerable to hazardous noise.
What are the varieties of hearing protection?
There are a few different forms of hearing protection, and each has its own advantages and cons:
- Foam Earplugs are worn in the ear canal and deliver excellent protection; they are disposable and light, but not everyone finds them comfortable.
- Pre-Molded Earplugs: These rest just outside the ear canal and are reusable, making them a more sustainable option. They’re easier to insert and remove compared to foam earplugs.
- 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.
Your selection should be guided by your comfort tastes and the criteria imposed by your environment. By way of example, a construction worker might choose earmuffs for their simplicity, while someone working in a factory may prefer earplugs for all-day use.
Committing to unwavering hearing protection use
The most reliably effective hearing protection is the one you’ll wear continuously. Stopping the use, even for a short time, may have long-term effects for your hearing. For this purpose, finding a solution that optimizes protection, comfort, and convenience is necessary.
Ensure your lasting hearing health
While noise is an unavoidable part of life, correct hearing protection enables you to secure your hearing while still enjoying the sounds surrounding you.
To review the most effective methods for protecting your hearing health and evaluating your risk for noise-related hearing damage, please contact us now.