Exposure to noise for long periods poses a significant risk to your auditory health, particularly in settings where the sound volume exceeds safety thresholds. You must defend your ears; this is crucial for more than preventing hearing loss—it also helps you keep focus despite noisy conditions. The question then is, how do you decide the correct level of protection needed for your specific needs?
The importance of knowing noise levels and impacts
Noise damage depends not only on the loudness of the sound but also on how long you are exposed to it. We use dB—a unit that quantifies sound volume—as the primary metric for comprehending noise levels. When sound levels get to 85 dB or higher, they can begin to harm your hearing, especially with sustained exposure.
Consider that 85 dB is similar to the volume of city traffic noise perceived while sitting in a car. While this may not seem too loud, uninterrupted exposure for eight hours can begin to damage your hearing. The safe period of exposure becomes brief when the sound is louder:
- Damage can result with up to 4 hours of exposure at 90 dB (Lawnmower).
- 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.
Determining dangerous levels of noise
It is paramount to use hearing protection if your routine exposure is to noise levels surpassing 85 dB. Such protection is especially critical in industrial settings, including plants and building areas, or any places where high noise is produced by devices, equipment, or engines.
Even outside of the workplace, there are circumstances where hearing protection can be helpful—attending gigs, using leaf blowers, or engaging in recreational shooting sports are all pursuits that can expose you to unsafe noise levels.
How the Noise Reduction Rating guides your choice
Hearing protection efficacy is rated using the Noise Reduction Rating (the NRR) scale. Quantified in dB, this figure shows the amount of sound blockage the protector offers. Higher NRR values offer greater protection. 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 making your decision, evaluate the actual noise volume you are facing and confirm that the protection reduces the sound below the 85 dB limit.
The important function of comfort in consistent protection
Although the NRR is essential, comfort is equally important for ensuring that the protection will be worn consistently over time. If the hearing protection is cumbersome or ill-fitting, you are more likely to remove it, which results in your hearing unprotected against harmful noise.
Comfortable hearing protection encourages continuous use, lowering the risk of occasional exposure. To demonstrate, heavy or ill-fitting earmuffs may be removed by the wearer now and then, subjecting their ears to hazardous sound levels.
Different choices of hearing protection available
A range of hearing protection options are on offer, all with their own set of pros and drawbacks:
- Inside the ear canal, Foam Earplugs provide superb noise reduction. They are disposable and light, yet some individuals may find them uncomfortable.
- 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.
- 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.
The optimal choice of protection is dependent on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your environment. By way of example, a construction worker might select earmuffs for their simplicity, while someone working in a factory may opt for earplugs for uninterrupted use.
Making sure you wear it constantly
The most highly effective hearing protection is the one you’ll wear without fail. Stopping the use, even for a brief time, may have long-term effects for your hearing. Consequently, it is vital to find a product that offers the right balance of protection, comfort, and convenience.
Protect your hearing for the future
While noise is an unavoidable part of life, correct hearing protection allows you to protect your hearing while still enjoying the sounds around you.
Reach out to us today to discuss your risk of noise-related hearing loss and how to most effectively safeguard your hearing health.
