Prolonged exposure to loud noise can take a severe toll on your hearing health, especially in settings where sound levels go above safe thresholds. Protecting your ears is vital—not only for preventing hearing loss but also for preserving focus in noisy surroundings. The question then is, how do you ascertain the best level of protection required for your specific needs?

How noise levels impact your hearing

The consequences of noise exposure aren’t just about intensity but also the length of exposure. Decibels are the fundamental measurement tool for noise, measuring the volume of sound. Hearing damage can start when sound volume hits 85 dB or more, particularly after sustained exposure.

For reference, 85 dB is equal to the noise level of city traffic heard from inside a car. An eight-hour period of continuous exposure can begin to damage your hearing, even if the sound level doesn’t seem excessively loud. The safety window for exposure lessens proportionally as the noise level increases:

• 90 dB (Lawnmower): Up to 4 hours of exposure can be harmful.
• 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).

Determining dangerous levels of noise

It is paramount to use hearing protection if your frequent exposure is to noise levels exceeding 85 dB. This is chiefly true in professional settings like building areas, factories, or any environment where machinery, tools, or gear produce excessive noise.

You can encounter hazardous noise levels even in recreational hobbies—such as attending shows, utilizing leaf blowers, or shooting sports—making hearing protection helpful outside of a job setting.

Choosing protection based on Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR)

We evaluate the performance of hearing protection through its Noise Reduction Rating (the NRR). Measured in dB, this figure shows the level of sound blockage the protector offers. The larger the NRR, the better the protection against noise. To give a practical example, a 30 dB NRR on earplugs would lower an 85 dB noise down to 55 dB, which is a sound level far below the dangerous limit.

To make a good selection, you should think about the specific noise intensity you are exposed to and confirm the device provides the necessary reduction to keep the sound below 85 dB.

Comfort is vital: the foundation to consistent 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. An ill-fitting or awkward protective gear increases the inclination to remove it, which leaves your ears to harmful noise.

The more comfortable the protector, the more likely you are to use it consistently, which effectively reduces the danger of occasional exposure. 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 harmful noise.

The main forms of hearing protection gear

There are several different forms of hearing protection, and each has its own advantages and drawbacks:

• Foam Earplugs: These sit inside the ear canal and offer excellent noise reduction. They’re lightweight and disposable but may feel uncomfortable for some users.
• Being reusable and resting just outside the ear canal, Pre-Molded Earplugs are a more sustainable choice and are also easier to insert and remove than foam earplugs.
• 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.

Choosing the best type is dictated by your comfort and the requirements of your surroundings. An example is construction workers preferring earmuffs for their simple convenience, while factory workers may choose earplugs for a full day of wear.

Committing to constant hearing protection use

The best hearing protection is always the unit that you continuously keep in place. Taking off the protection for even a few minutes can result in permanent damage to your hearing. It is vitally necessary to select a solution that strikes a balance between comfort, protection, and convenience for this reason.

Safeguard your hearing for the time ahead

While noise is always present in our daily lives, using the correct hearing protection allows you to protect your ears and continue to enjoy the sounds of the world.

Connect with us now to discuss your risk of noise-induced hearing loss and find out how to best preserve your hearing health.