Exposure to noise for extended periods poses a considerable 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 in noisy conditions. So, how do you select the optimal level of hearing protection for your needs?
The importance of knowing noise levels and effects
The damage caused by noise exposure is a combination of both its volume and the time spent in that environment. Decibels are the central measurement metric for noise, representing the intensity of sound. Once noise hits a level of 85 dB or above, it presents a threat to your hearing, mainly if the exposure is prolonged.
To provide a comparison, 85 dB is equal to the sound of urban traffic when perceived from inside a vehicle. Though this volume might not seem excessive, spending eight hours in it continuously can lead to hearing impairment. The safety window for exposure shrinks proportionally as the noise level rises:
- Damage can happen with up to 4 hours of exposure at 90 dB (Lawnmower).
- You should keep exposure to 100 dB (such as Power tools) to one hour or less.
- 110 dB (Leaf blower): Just 15 minutes of exposure can cause damage.
- 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.
How to detect unsafe noise situations
You must wear hearing protection when regularly exposed to 85 dB or louder sounds. Such protection is most critical in industrial settings, including plants and construction sites, or other places where high noise is produced by devices, equipment, or engines.
Beyond the work setting, situations like recreational shooting sports, using leaf blowers, or going to shows are examples where you may benefit from using hearing protection due to the unsafe noise exposure.
Choosing protection with the aid of Noise Reduction Ratings
We gauge the efficacy of hearing protection through its Noise Reduction Rating (the NRR). Measured in decibels, this figure shows the degree of sound reduction the protector offers. More significant protection is indicated by a larger NRR number. An example is a pair of earplugs with a 30 dB NRR, which could lower an 85 dB sound to 55 dB, thereby keeping you safely within the limits of safe exposure.
To make a good selection, you should think about the actual noise intensity you are exposed to and ensure the protector offers the necessary reduction to keep the volume below 85 dB.
Why comfort is necessary for wearing hearing protection constantly
Although the NRR is crucial, comfort is equally significant for ensuring that the protection will be worn consistently over time. You might be tempted to take off the protection if it is uncomfortable or awkward, thereby exposing your ears to harmful sound.
Comfortable hearing protection promotes consistent use, minimizing the risk of periodic exposure. For illustration, if earmuffs are too bulky or cause discomfort, you may find yourself removing them occasionally, subjecting your ears to harmful noise levels.
What are the forms of hearing protection?
A selection of hearing protection devices are on offer, all with their own set of advantages and drawbacks:
- 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.
Your selection should be informed by your comfort tastes and the requirements imposed by your environment. An instance is construction workers preferring earmuffs for their easy convenience, while factory workers may select earplugs for a continuous period of wear.
Ensuring uninterrupted use
To achieve maximum performance, you must find the hearing protection you will wear consistently. Even a short period without protection can lead to lasting harm on your auditory health. A device that successfully combines convenience, protection, and comfort is, therefore, critical.
Securing your auditory well-being
While 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 effectively protect your hearing health.