Exposure to noise for sustained periods poses a significant risk to your auditory health, particularly in environments where the sound intensity goes beyond safety thresholds. Ear protection is necessary for both the avoidance of hearing loss and for preserving concentration in loud environments. So, how do you find the optimal level of hearing protection for your requirements?
Gaining insight into sound intensity and its consequences
The effects of noise exposure aren’t just about loudness but also the period of exposure. dB’s are the main unit for measuring sound levels and quantifying sound intensity. When sound levels hit 85 dB or higher, they can begin to injure your hearing, chiefly with sustained exposure.
For context, 85 dB is equal to the noise level of city traffic experienced from inside a car. Even though this might not sound excessive, eight hours of continuous exposure at this level can initiate harm to your hearing. As the sound increases in volume, the period 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.
- Damage is possible after only 15 minutes at the 110 dB level (Leaf blower).
- Your hearing can be harmed by any exposure to a 120 dB sound (Rock concert).
- Exposure to 140 dB (Jet engine) results in immediate damage and intense pain.
Identifying risky noise levels
It is crucial to use hearing protection if your routine exposure is to noise levels of 85 dB. The need for protection is increased in work environments, including plants and construction, or in any place where machinery, equipment, or tools create excessive noise.
Hearing protection is also valuable outside of the job; activities like attending music shows, operating leaf blowers, or participating in shooting sports can expose you to hazardous sound levels.
The Significance of Noise Reduction Ratings (the NRR) in choosing
Hearing protection performance is measured using the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) scale. The rating shows the level of sound blockage, given in decibels, that the device provides. The greater the NRR, the superior the protection against noise. For instance, earplugs with an NRR of 30 dB can reduce an 85 dB noise level to 55 dB, placing you comfortably within safe exposure limits.
In choosing protection, you must gauge the precise noise levels you encounter and ensure your chosen device reduces the sound sufficiently to remain under 85 dB.
Consistency hinges on comfort: why it’s so essential
The NRR is certainly important, but comfort is a similarly significant component in achieving steady, long-term use. An uncomfortable or awkward protective gear raises the temptation to remove it, which leaves your ears to dangerous noise.
The more comfortable the protector, the higher the chance you are to use it consistently, which significantly reduces the threat of occasional exposure. If, for example, earmuffs feel ill-fitting or weigh too much, you are inclined to take them off periodically, resulting in harmful noise exposure.
Different varieties of hearing protection to choose from
Hearing protection is available in several forms, each with its advantages and disadvantages:
- Inserted into 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.
- Earmuffs: Earmuffs cover the entire ear and are ideal for environments with fluctuating noise levels, as they’re easy to put on and take off. However, they may feel heavy or warm during extended use.
The optimal type of protection to select is determined by your own comfort and the demands of the environment you are in. Construction workers, for example, might prefer the ease of use provided by earmuffs, whereas factory personnel may opt for earplugs for all-day wear.
The necessity of uninterrupted protection
The most reliably effective hearing protection is the one you’ll wear continuously. Even a brief time without protection can cause lasting consequences on your auditory health. For this reason, finding a product that optimizes protection, comfort, and convenience is vital.
Protect your hearing for the long term
We are always enclosed by noise, yet choosing the correct protective device ensures your ears are safeguarded, allowing you to continue enjoying your acoustic surroundings.
Call us now to talk about your chances of hearing loss from noise and the most effective ways to safeguard your hearing.