Spending a lengthy time in loud noise can significantly impact your hearing, especially when sound intensity surpasses safe limits. It is critical to shield your ears, not just to avoid hearing damage, but also to help you focus in loud settings. Consequently, what steps should you follow to identify the ideal hearing protection level aligned to your situation?
How noise levels affect your hearing
The harm caused by noise exposure is a result of both its volume and the duration spent in that environment. Decibels are the main unit for measuring sound levels and expressing sound intensity. When sound levels get to 85 dB or higher, they can start to harm your hearing, chiefly with extended exposure.
To provide a reference, 85 dB is similar to the sound of urban traffic when heard from inside a vehicle. Though this volume might not appear excessive, spending eight hours in it continuously can lead to hearing impairment. The louder the sound, the less the safe exposure time:
- A sound level of 90 dB (e.g., a Lawnmower) can cause damage after 4 hours of exposure.
- Exposure to 100 dB (Power tools) must be restricted to a maximum of 60 minutes.
- At 110 dB (Leaf blower), damage can be caused in as little as 15 minutes of exposure.
- Your hearing can be harmed by any exposure to a 120 dB sound (Rock concert).
- 140 dB (Jet engine): Immediate damage and pain can occur.
How to detect hazardous noise situations
Anyone frequently around noise at 85 dB or higher, hearing protection becomes a critical requirement. This is especially true in workplaces like construction sites, manufacturing plants, or any environment where machinery, devices, or gear produce too much noise.
You can encounter dangerous noise levels even in recreational hobbies—such as attending shows, utilizing leaf blowers, or shooting sports—making hearing protection wise outside of a job setting.
Using the NRR to choose the right hearing protection
Hearing protection effectiveness is measured using the Noise Reduction Rating (the NRR) scale. This rating tells you how much sound the unit can reduce, given in dB. Higher NRR values offer superior protection. As an example, earplugs rated at 30 dB NRR will lower an 85 dB noise to 55 dB, guaranteeing you remain securely below the danger boundary.
When deciding on your protection, you should evaluate the actual noise intensity you are exposed to and verify the device provides the necessary blockage to keep the volume below 85 dB.
Comfort is essential for sustained use of protection
Comfort is a factor of equal significance to the NRR, as it directly affects whether you will wear the protection consistently for the extended period. When the hearing protection is bulky or uncomfortable, you are more likely to remove it, which results in your hearing unprotected against hazardous noise.
Comfortable hearing protection fosters steady use, lowering the threat of intermittent exposure. Consider if, for example, your earmuffs are too heavy or uncomfortable, you could remove them now and then, leaving your ears vulnerable to harmful noise.
Different options of hearing protection available
A range of hearing protection options are available, all with their own set of advantages and cons:
- Inserted into 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: 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 guided by your comfort tastes and the demands imposed by your environment. An example is construction workers preferring earmuffs for their easy convenience, while factory workers may select earplugs for a continuous period of wear.
Maintaining constant use of protection
The most effective hearing protection is always the protector that you continuously wear. Interrupting the use, even for a brief time, may have long-term effects for your hearing. An option that successfully integrates convenience, protection, and comfort is, therefore, critical.
Securing your auditory longevity
While noise is always present in our daily lives, using the correct hearing protection allows you to safeguard your ears and still enjoy the sounds of the world.
Speak with us now to review your potential of noise-induced hearing loss and learn how to effectively maintain your hearing health.