Your hearing health can be greatly affected by extended noise exposure, especially in environments where noise intensity goes beyond safe limits. It is essential to shield your ears, not just to prevent hearing damage, but also to help you pay attention in loud environments. So, how do you choose the ideal level of hearing protection for your situation?
How noise levels influence your hearing
The effects of noise exposure aren’t just about volume but also the duration of exposure. The key measurement for gauging noise levels is decibels, a unit employed to express sound intensity. Once noise reaches a level of 85 dB or above, it presents a threat to your hearing, mainly if the exposure is prolonged.
Consider that 85 dB equals the volume of city traffic noise heard while sitting in a car. Though this loudness might not appear excessive, spending eight hours in it continuously can cause hearing impairment. The safe duration for exposure shrinks proportionally as the noise level increases:
- Exposure to 90 dB (the sound of a Lawnmower) for more than 4 hours is potentially damaging.
- Restrict your exposure to 100 dB (Power tools) to less than 1 hour.
- Damage is possible after only 15 minutes at the 110 dB level (Leaf blower).
- 120 dB (Rock concert): Any exposure at this level can damage your hearing.
- 140 dB (Jet engine): Immediate damage and pain can occur.
Pinpointing noise levels that are risky
If you are often around noise at 85 dB or higher, hearing protection becomes an absolute requirement. This holds chiefly true in work settings, such as factories, building areas, or places where equipment, tools, or gear generate high levels of noise.
Beyond the professional setting, scenarios like recreational shooting sports, using leaf blowers, or going to concerts are cases where you may gain an advantage from using hearing protection due to the unsafe noise exposure.
Choosing protection based on Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR)
The efficacy of hearing protection is assessed by its Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). Measured in decibels, this figure shows the amount of sound blockage the device offers. Higher NRR values deliver superior protection. An illustration 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 limits of safe exposure.
To make a good selection, you should assess the actual noise intensity you are exposed to and verify the device provides the necessary blockage to keep the volume below 85 dB.
Why comfort is essential for wearing hearing protection all the time
Comfort is a factor of equal importance to the NRR, as it strongly influences whether you will use the protection consistently for the extended period. An uncomfortable or cumbersome protective unit raises the inclination to remove it, which leaves your ears to harmful noise.
Choosing well-fitting hearing protection leads to continuous wear, thus lowering the threat that you will be exposed to noise occasionally. Consider if, for example, your earmuffs are too heavy or ill-fitting, you could remove them from time to time, leaving your ears vulnerable to dangerous noise.
Exploring the multiple options of ear protection
There are a few different varieties of hearing protection, and each has its own benefits 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Choosing the appropriate type depends on your preferences and the requirements of your setting. An instance is construction workers favoring earmuffs for their easy convenience, while factory workers may opt for earplugs for a continuous period of wear.
Making sure you wear it continuously
The most reliably effective hearing protection is the one you’ll wear without fail. Even a brief time without protection can cause long-term harm on your auditory health. Consequently, it is essential to discover a product that offers the perfect balance of protection, comfort, and convenience.
Taking steps for long-lasting hearing protection
While noise is always present in our daily lives, using the correct hearing protection allows you to shield your ears and still appreciate the sounds of the world.
Connect with us now to review your potential of noise-induced hearing loss and learn how to effectively preserve your hearing health.
