Your hearing health can be drastically affected by sustained noise exposure, chiefly in settings where noise intensity is greater than safe limits. Protecting your ears is crucial—not only for preventing hearing loss but also for keeping focus in noisy environments. What is the best way to find the degree of hearing protection that is optimal for you?
How noise levels influence your hearing
When evaluating the effect of noise, the duration of exposure is as significant as the sound’s loudness. Decibels are the critical measurement unit for noise, representing the intensity of sound. Hearing damage can begin when sound volume reaches 85 dB or more, especially after sustained exposure.
To provide a reference, 85 dB is similar to the sound of urban traffic when experienced from inside a vehicle. An eight-hour period of non-stop exposure can start to harm your hearing, even if the sound level doesn’t strike you as too loud. The safety window for exposure decreases proportionally as the noise level gets higher:
- 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).
- Even momentary exposure to 120 dB (e.g., a Rock concert) is enough to cause hearing damage.
- 140 dB (Jet engine): Immediate damage and pain can occur.
Pinpointing noise levels that pose a hazard
If you’re regularly exposed to noise levels of 85 dB or more, wearing hearing protection is vital. Such protection is especially important in industrial settings, including plants and construction sites, or any places where high noise is produced by tools, equipment, or engines.
Even outside of the job, there are circumstances where hearing protection can be advantageous—attending gigs, using leaf blowers, or engaging in recreational shooting sports are all pursuits that can expose you to hazardous noise levels.
How the NRR guides your selection
The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is the key metric used to gauge how well hearing protection performs. The NRR value shows the level of sound blockage, expressed in decibels, that the unit provides. A more substantial reduction in sound is ensured by increased NRR ratings. For instance, earplugs with an NRR of 30 dB can decrease an 85 dB noise level to 55 dB, keeping you comfortably within safe exposure thresholds.
In selecting protection, you must assess the exact noise levels you encounter and ensure your chosen protector reduces the sound sufficiently to remain under 85 dB.
Comfort is required for continuous use of protection
While the NRR is a vital factor, comfort plays an equally significant role in ensuring sustained use. You might be inclined to take off the protection if it is ill-fitting or awkward, thereby exposing your ears to harmful sound.
The more comfortable the device, the more likely you are to use it continuously, which effectively reduces the risk of occasional exposure. For example, if earmuffs are too bulky or cause discomfort, you may be inclined to remove them periodically, subjecting your ears to harmful noise levels.
A look at the multiple styles of hearing protection
A variety of hearing protection options are on offer, all with their own set of benefits and drawbacks:
- 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 are positioned slightly outside the ear canal; they are reusable—a more sustainable choice—and are also easier to handle than foam earplugs.
- 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.
Your selection should be informed by your comfort preferences and the requirements imposed by your environment. By way of example, a construction worker might select earmuffs for their convenience, while someone working in a factory may select earplugs for uninterrupted use.
Committing to consistent hearing protection wear
To ensure maximum efficacy, you must select the hearing protection you will wear all the time. Stopping the use, even for a short time, could cause lasting consequences for your hearing. For this reason, finding a product that optimizes protection, comfort, and convenience is vital.
Protect your hearing for the long term
We are constantly surrounded by noise, yet choosing the appropriate protective gear guarantees your ears are protected, enabling you to keep enjoying your acoustic surroundings.
To review the most effective methods for protecting your hearing health and evaluating your potential for noise-related hearing damage, please reach out to us today.