Prolonged exposure to sound can take a severe toll on your hearing health, particularly in places where sound levels surpass safe thresholds. Protecting your ears is vital—not only for warding off hearing loss but also for preserving focus in noisy settings. Consequently, what steps should you implement to select the ideal hearing protection level suited to your needs?

The importance of knowing noise levels and effects

The harm caused by noise exposure is a result of both its volume and the period spent in that environment. The primary measurement for gauging noise levels is dB, a unit used to quantify sound intensity. Hearing damage can begin when sound volume hits 85 dB or more, particularly after long-term exposure.

To provide a reference, 85 dB is equal to the sound of urban traffic when heard from inside a vehicle. While this may not seem overly loud, uninterrupted exposure for eight hours can begin to damage your hearing. 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.
• 100 dB (Power tools): Limit exposure to 1 hour or less.
• At 110 dB (Leaf blower), damage can result in as little as 15 minutes of exposure.
• 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.

Identifying dangerous noise levels

If you’re regularly exposed to noise levels of 85 dB or more, wearing hearing protection is essential. The need for protection is amplified in work settings, including plants and construction, or in any place where engines, equipment, or devices create major noise.

Hearing protection is also beneficial outside of the job; activities like attending music shows, operating leaf blowers, or participating in shooting sports can subject you to unsafe sound levels.

Choosing protection based on Noise Reduction Ratings

The effectiveness of hearing protection is measured by its Noise Reduction Rating (the NRR). Given in dB, this figure shows the degree of sound reduction the protective device is capable of blocking. The higher the NRR, the superior the protection against noise. For illustration, earplugs with an NRR of 30 dB can decrease an 85 dB noise level to 55 dB, maintaining you well within safe exposure limits.

When deciding on your protection, you should evaluate the actual noise intensity you are exposed to and verify the protector provides the required reduction to keep the volume below 85 dB.

Why comfort is crucial for wearing hearing protection consistently

While the NRR is an essential factor, comfort plays a similarly crucial role in ensuring sustained use. If hearing protection feels uncomfortable or awkward, you may be inclined to remove it—leaving your ears vulnerable to harmful noise.

The more comfortable the protector, the higher the chance you are to use it consistently, which effectively reduces the danger of intermittent exposure. If, for example, earmuffs feel ill-fitting or are too heavy, you are likely to take them off periodically, resulting in harmful noise exposure.

A look at the different types of hearing protection

There are several different varieties of hearing protection, and each has its own pros and disadvantages:

• Foam Earplugs are worn in the ear canal and deliver excellent protection; they are disposable and light, but not everyone finds them comfortable.
• 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 ideal type of protection to select is determined by your own preference and the requirements of the setting you are in. By way of illustration, a construction worker might choose earmuffs for their simplicity, while someone working in a factory may prefer earplugs for uninterrupted use.

Ensuring uninterrupted use

The most effective hearing protection is always the device that you continuously keep in place. Taking off the protection for even a short time of minutes can result in long-term damage to your hearing. An option that successfully integrates convenience, protection, and comfort is, therefore, important.

Protect your hearing for the long haul

We are constantly surrounded by noise, yet choosing the correct protective device ensures your ears are safeguarded, allowing you to continue enjoying your acoustic environment.

Connect with us today to discuss your risk of noise-induced hearing loss and learn how to optimally maintain your hearing health.