These days, noises almost constantly surround us. It can range from the harmless but seemingly endless tapping on a keyboard in our workspace to louder noises from traffic or construction zones that can damage our hearing. Hearing loss, tinnitus, or struggling to hear or communicate with others when there’s too much background noise are common problems for people with damaged hearing.
There’s no cure for permanent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). It’s crucial to either decrease your exposure to noise by lowering the volume on devices, moving to a quieter area, or reducing the exposure time to that noise. If that is not possible, wear hearing protection. There are many different colors, materials, sizes, and styles of hearing protection, so we’ve got a guide to help you select the best option for your unique listening experiences. 1. What is the Amount of Noise Reduction Needed for the Average Person? Noise that reaches above 70 decibels (dB) for a prolonged period might begin to harm your hearing. Noise over 120 dB can instantly impact your ears and the ability to hear. First, select hearing protection that will intercept enough noise to lower your exposure to safe listening levels. Most industrial settings are under 95 A-weighted decibels (dBA) or sound levels recommended for healthy listening. Workers need 15 dB of noise reduction to be safe from harmful noises. The average hearing protection can provide 10 dB of sound reduction, do some research to find something that can cover the 15 dB. If you’re uncertain about the noise levels at your worksite, use a decibel meter app. Louder environments require better noise reduction, but it’s important not to block out too much noise. You still need to be aware of your surroundings. Too much protection for your ears might require you to remove your earplugs or earmuffs to hear others or listen to your equipment. Try getting enough noise reduction to lower your exposure to 75-85 dBA. There is a Noise Reduction Rating found on the packaging of hearing protection. It represents the range of noise obstructed by the hearing protector when tested in a lab, but workers tend to have significantly less noise reduction while on the job. Find out how much noise reduction you receive from a piece of hearing protection by getting fit-tested. If fit-testing is unavailable at your workplace, you can figure out the fit of the earplugs by talking out loud while gently cupping and uncupping your hands over your ears. A good fit should mean that your voice sounds nearly the same when you cup and uncup your ears. You should wear double hearing protection when exposed to noises that reach 100 dBA or more (like chainsaws or jackhammers) or noises that make impulsive sounds (like a nail gun or gunshot). 2. Consider Your Workplace and Tasks Performed on the Job Your job and work environment should affect your decision when finding the proper hearing protection. Do you wear other things on your head to protect yourself, like safety glasses, a hard hat, or a respirator? Eye protection and eyeglasses can prevent a sealed earmuff over the ear, letting noises enter the ear. Earmuffs can make hard hats or helmets challenging to wear effectively. Some earmuffs feature a discreet headband or fit directly onto a hard hat or helmet. Be sure to don hearing protection that safeguards against other safety equipment used in your workplace. Think about how frequently you get exposed to noises and how often there are breaks in between the noises. Earmuffs are more convenient to remove and replace than earplugs, so wearing them may be better for recurring noises. Another option can be customized earplugs, which may be easier to remove and replace than foam plugs. Are your hands consistently getting dirt and grime on them while working? Earplugs need to be rolled smaller with clean fingers before insertion. Unless you have a washing facility that is convenient to visit or you have time to wash your hands before inserting the earplugs, use earmuffs instead. Do you need to hear others while wearing hearing protection? Flat attenuation hearing protectors may be helpful. Special communication headsets that support speech and communication while working in a loud environment are available. 3. Comfort and Convenience When you select hearing protection that works best for you, wear them consistently and correctly when exposed to loud noises. Find something that fits comfortably but is still convenient to carry around. Disposable earplugs are the primary choice for hearing protection. You can wear them for an extensive amount of time and in any environment. They are easy to store, light in weight, and can be kept on hand when you have an unexpected exposure. There are a variety of sizes, so pick one that’s right for you. There are small foam earplugs that are inexpensive. You should only wear disposable earplugs once and then toss them out. The ears and earplugs are a breeding ground for bacteria due to moisture, warmth, and dirt becoming trapped in the ear canals. Reusing dirty earplugs can cause severe ear infections. Earmuffs are generally one-size. They are easier to put over the ears and properly fit consistently. They are easier to remove and replace, and most use them intermittently. Good hearing health needs proper hearing protection and knowledge about selecting hearing protection, so use this guide before making a final decision. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. Comments are closed.
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