Exposure to noise for sustained periods poses a considerable risk to your auditory health, particularly in locations where the sound volume goes beyond safety thresholds. Protecting your ears is essential—not only for warding off hearing loss but also for preserving focus in noisy environments. What is the best way to select the degree of hearing protection that is suitable for you?
The importance of knowing noise levels and impacts
Noise damage depends not only on the loudness of the sound but also on how much time you are exposed to it. The main measurement for gauging noise levels is dB, a unit used to quantify sound intensity. Sounds at 85 dB and beyond may lead to hearing impairment, primarily when exposure is continuous.
For reference, 85 dB is comparable to the noise level of city traffic experienced from inside a car. Despite it not sounding overly intense, eight hours of uninterrupted exposure at this level can initiate damage to your hearing. The safety window for exposure lessens proportionally as the noise level increases:
- A sound level of 90 dB (e.g., a Lawnmower) can cause damage after 4 hours of exposure.
- You should keep exposure to 100 dB (such as Power tools) to one hour or less.
- 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).
- A sound level of 140 dB (Jet engine) can cause instant pain and damage.
Determining dangerous levels of noise
If you’re frequently exposed to noise levels of 85 dB or more, wearing hearing protection is vital. Such protection is especially important in industrial settings, including factories and construction sites, or other places where high noise is produced by tools, equipment, or machinery.
Beyond the work setting, situations like recreational shooting sports, using leaf blowers, or going to concerts are cases where you may benefit from using hearing protection due to the dangerous noise exposure.
Using the NRR to choose the appropriate hearing protection
The effectiveness of hearing protection is measured by its Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). Quantified in dB, this figure indicates the amount of sound reduction the protector offers. A more substantial decrease in sound is ensured by increased NRR ratings. An example 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 choosing hearing protection, assess the particular noise levels you’re exposed to and ensure your choice offers enough reduction to stay below the 85 dB boundary.
Comfort is key for long-term use of protection
While the NRR is an essential factor, comfort plays an equally important role in ensuring continuous use. If hearing protection feels uncomfortable or cumbersome, you may be inclined to remove it—leaving your ears unprotected to hazardous noise.
When the protection is comfortable, it encourages constant use and minimizes the threat associated with removing it intermittently. For example, if earmuffs are too heavy or lead to discomfort, you may find yourself removing them occasionally, subjecting your ears to harmful noise levels.
Exploring the different forms of ear protection
A variety of hearing protection devices are on offer, all with their own set of 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 are positioned slightly outside the ear canal; they are reusable—a more sustainable choice—and are also easier to handle than foam earplugs.
- Covering 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 specific needs of your environment. For example, workers in construction may favor the convenience of earmuffs, while factory staff might opt for earplugs for all-day wear.
Ensuring uninterrupted use
The superior hearing protection is always the device that you consistently wear. Any lapse in use, even for a few minutes, can have lasting consequences for your hearing health. A device that successfully combines convenience, protection, and comfort is, therefore, paramount.
Securing your auditory well-being
Noise is a constant presence in our lives, but with the right hearing protection, you can shield your ears while still managing to enjoy the sounds around you.
Reach out to us right now to discuss your risk of noise-related hearing loss and how to most effectively protect your hearing health.
