Spending a long time around loud noise can drastically impact your hearing, especially when sound volume is above safe limits. It is imperative to shield your ears, not just to prevent hearing damage, but also to help you maintain concentration in loud environments. Hence, what steps should you follow to find the ideal hearing protection level matched to your requirements?
The value of knowing noise levels and outcomes
When considering the effect of noise, the length of exposure is as important as the sound’s volume. Decibels are the crucial unit for measuring sound levels and measuring sound volume. Sounds at 85 dB and up can result in hearing impairment, especially when exposure is sustained.
Consider that 85 dB matches the intensity of city traffic noise heard while sitting in a car. While this may not seem overly loud, continuous exposure for eight hours can begin to harm your hearing. As the sound intensifies, the amount 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.
- 110 dB (Leaf blower): Just 15 minutes of exposure can cause damage.
- Exposure to 120 dB (a Rock concert) will damage your hearing instantly.
- Exposure to 140 dB (Jet engine) results in immediate damage and intense pain.
Recognizing dangerous sound volumes
It is crucial to use hearing protection if your routine exposure is to noise levels of 85 dB. The requirement for protection is greater in work environments, including plants and construction, or in any location where machinery, gear, or tools create significant noise.
Hearing protection is also helpful outside of the workplace; pursuits like attending music concerts, operating leaf blowers, or participating in shooting sports can expose you to unsafe sound levels.
The role of Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR) in choosing
We gauge the efficacy of hearing protection through its Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). Given in dB, this figure tells you the amount of sound blockage the protective device is capable of blocking. Higher NRR values provide better protection. An instance is a pair of earplugs with a 30 dB NRR, which could drop an 85 dB sound to 55 dB, thereby maintaining you safely within the bounds of safe exposure.
When deciding on your protection, you should assess the specific noise intensity you are exposed to and confirm the device offers the necessary reduction to keep the sound below 85 dB.
Comfort is required for continuous use of protection
Although the NRR is paramount, comfort is equally significant for ensuring that the protection will be used consistently over time. If hearing protection feels uncomfortable or bulky, you may be inclined to remove it—leaving your ears unprotected to harmful noise.
When the protection is comfortable, it promotes constant use and minimizes the risk associated with removing it occasionally. For instance, if earmuffs are too heavy or lead to discomfort, you may be inclined to remove them periodically, subjecting your ears to dangerous noise levels.
The main forms of hearing protection equipment
Different varieties of hearing protection are available, and each one presents unique advantages and drawbacks:
- Offering superior noise reduction, Foam Earplugs are placed inside the ear canal. While they are lightweight and disposable, some wearers may experience discomfort.
- 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.
- Enclosing 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 best choice of protection is dependent on your personal comfort and the particular demands of your surroundings. Construction workers, for example, might prefer the ease of use provided by earmuffs, whereas factory staff may choose earplugs for all-day wear.
Committing to constant hearing protection wear
The most effective hearing protection is the one you’ll wear steadily. Any interruption in use, even for a short period of minutes, can have permanent effects for your hearing health. Therefore, it is vital to discover a product that offers the perfect balance of protection, comfort, and convenience.
Protect your hearing for the coming years
Even though noise is a constant part of life, appropriate hearing protection enables you to secure your hearing without sacrificing the sounds surrounding you.
Get in touch with us now to discuss your potential of noise-induced hearing loss and find out how to optimally maintain your hearing health.
