Working a lengthy time in loud noise can severely impact your hearing, particularly when sound intensity goes past safe limits. You must safeguard your ears; this is important for not just preventing hearing loss—it also helps you keep focus in noisy conditions. So, how do you select the ideal level of hearing protection for your situation?

Understanding noise levels and their impact

Noise damage depends not only on the loudness of the sound but also on how long you are exposed to it. Decibels are the fundamental measurement tool for noise, indicating the volume of sound. Sounds at 85 dB and higher can result in hearing harm, especially when exposure is continuous.

As a frame of reference, 85 dB is approximately the same loudness as the sound of city traffic heard from within a car. Despite it not sounding too loud, eight hours of uninterrupted exposure at this level can begin damage to your hearing. As the sound increases in volume, the period of time you can be exposed securely decreases:

• A sound level of 90 dB (e.g., a Lawnmower) can cause damage after 4 hours of exposure.
• Keep your exposure to 100 dB (Power tools) to less than 1 hour.
• Only 15 minutes of exposure to 110 dB (like a Leaf blower) is enough to cause harm.
• 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.

Determining damaging levels of noise

You must wear hearing protection when routinely exposed to 85 dB or louder levels. This holds most true in work settings, such as plants, construction sites, or anywhere where equipment, devices, or gear generate significant levels of noise.

Beyond the work setting, instances like recreational shooting sports, using leaf blowers, or going to concerts are examples where you may gain an advantage from using hearing protection due to the unsafe noise exposure.

Choosing protection based on Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR)

Hearing protection efficacy is measured using the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) scale. This rating signifies how much sound the unit can block, measured in dB. The higher the NRR, the superior the protection against noise. 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 parameters of safe exposure.

When selecting hearing protection, evaluate the specific noise levels you’re exposed to and confirm your choice delivers enough reduction to stay below the 85 dB limit.

The important role of comfort in continuous protection

While the NRR is an essential factor, comfort plays an equally important role in guaranteeing continuous use. If hearing protection feels ill-fitting or awkward, you may be inclined to remove it—leaving your ears exposed to harmful noise.

The more comfortable the device, the more likely you are to use it consistently, which effectively reduces the danger of intermittent exposure. Imagine if, for example, your earmuffs are too heavy or ill-fitting, you could remove them now and then, leaving your ears exposed to harmful noise.

Exploring the multiple types of ear protection

A variety of hearing protection devices are on offer, all with their own set of benefits 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Choosing the correct type depends on your comfort and the demands of your environment. By way of illustration, a construction worker might choose earmuffs for their convenience, while someone working in a factory may prefer earplugs for uninterrupted use.

Making sure you wear it all the time

The most highly effective hearing protection is the one you’ll wear without fail. Removing the protection for even a few minutes can lead to lasting damage to your hearing. Therefore, it is crucial to discover a product that offers the optimal balance of protection, comfort, and convenience.

Protect your hearing for the coming years

Noise is an unavoidable presence in our lives, but with the appropriate hearing protection, you can protect your ears while continuing to appreciate the sounds surrounding you.

Connect with us today to assess your potential of noise-induced hearing loss and find out how to optimally preserve your hearing health.