Working a lengthy time in loud noise can drastically impact your hearing, particularly when sound intensity exceeds safe limits. You must safeguard your ears; this is important for more than preventing hearing loss—it also helps you maintain focus amidst noisy conditions. The question then is, how do you ascertain the correct level of protection needed for your specific situation?
Interpreting noise intensity and its ramifications
When evaluating the effect of noise, the duration of exposure is as critical as the sound’s loudness. The key measurement for assessing noise levels is decibels, a unit employed to measure sound loudness. Hearing damage can initiate when sound intensity reaches 85 dB or more, especially after sustained exposure.
To provide a comparison, 85 dB is comparable to the sound of urban traffic when heard from inside a vehicle. An eight-hour period of non-stop exposure can lead to harm your hearing, even if the sound level doesn’t seem too loud. As the sound intensifies, the period of time you can be exposed securely decreases:
- Damage can occur 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.
- 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.
- Immediate pain and damage are possible at 140 dB (Jet engine).
Recognizing harmful sound volumes
If you’re often exposed to noise levels of 85 dB or more, wearing hearing protection is crucial. The requirement for protection is stronger in work settings, including plants and construction, or in any place where machinery, equipment, or tools create excessive noise.
Hearing protection is also valuable outside of the job; pursuits like attending music concerts, operating leaf blowers, or participating in shooting sports can expose you to hazardous sound levels.
Choosing protection based on Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR)
Hearing protection performance is measured using the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) scale. Expressed in decibels, this figure indicates the level of sound reduction the protective unit is capable of blocking. The larger the NRR, the superior the protection against sound. To give a practical example, a 30 dB NRR on earplugs would drop an 85 dB noise down to 55 dB, which is a sound level far below the unsafe limit.
When choosing hearing protection, consider the particular noise levels you’re exposed to and confirm your choice delivers enough reduction to stay below the 85 dB threshold.
Why comfort is essential for wearing hearing protection constantly
Comfort is a factor of similar importance to the NRR, as it directly impacts whether you will use the protection consistently for the long haul. When the hearing protection is bulky or uncomfortable, you are more likely to remove it, which results in your hearing unprotected against dangerous noise.
When the protection is easy to wear, it encourages constant use and minimizes the threat associated with removing it periodically. If, for instance, earmuffs feel uncomfortable or weigh too much, you are likely to take them off periodically, resulting in hazardous noise exposure.
What are the forms of hearing protection?
Hearing protection is available in several varieties, each with its advantages 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: 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 choice should be guided by your comfort preferences and the requirements imposed by your setting. An illustration is construction workers preferring earmuffs for their simple convenience, while factory workers may opt for earplugs for a continuous period of wear.
Committing to constant hearing protection wear
The protection that is used without fail is, by nature, the best performing kind. Removing the protection for even a few minutes can result in lasting harm to your hearing. It is extremely necessary to find a solution that optimizes between comfort, protection, and convenience for this reason.
Ensure your long-term hearing health
While noise is always present in our daily lives, using the proper hearing protection enables you to safeguard your ears and still appreciate the sounds of the world.
To discuss the best methods for protecting your hearing health and assessing your potential for noise-related hearing damage, please contact us today.