Do you know that your precious sense of hearing is facing a threat? You may not realize it, but being exposed to dangerous levels of noise affects your hearing. Prolonged exposure results in partial or complete loss of hearing. If this doesn’t scare you, know this – there’s no way to reverse hearing loss because this is permanent damage.
Although nobody is safe from noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), individuals working in the construction, mining, manufacturing, or aviation industry are at an elevated risk of developing NIHL.
So, unless you want to wait for the delicate hair cells within your inner ear to be permanently damaged, use the right tools to safeguard your hearing. One such tool that is highly effective at blocking out noise is a hearing protection device.
Hearing protection devices are wearable items specifically designed to reduce the level of noise entering your ears. It plays a critical role in preventing NIHL. With different types of hearing protection devices at your disposal, it is overwhelming to make a choice. If you are wrestling with the diverse choices, this guide is for you. Let’s go!
The Different types of Hearing Protection Devices
- Earplugs
Earplugs are portable, compact devices that are directly inserted into the ear canal. They create a seal that reduces or blocks noise levels. Your options are:
- Foam earplugs: If you are on a tight budget, you can use foam earplugs. They are disposable and readily available. They come in various sizes for a snug fit. Foam earplugs offer decent noise reduction.
- Pre-molded earplugs – They are reusable and crafted from rubber or silicone. They offer a comfortable fit and come in different sizes. Compared to foam earplugs, they offer enhanced noise reduction.
- Custom molded earplugs – If you work in a noisy environment or are exposed to high levels of noise regularly, opt for custom molded ear plugs. These earplugs offer the ultimate noise reduction experience because they are crafted by experienced audiologists. The earplugs are personalized according to the impression of your ear canal. You can enjoy superior comfort even after long-term use.
- Earmuffs
Earmuffs are cup-shaped devices that are typically worn over the ears. They envelop the ears in a soft cushion and reduce the noise entering your ear. Here too, you have options.
- Passive earmuffs – They are the most common type and rely on the physical barrier of the cushions. They dampen or block noise and are pretty comfortable to wear for extended hours.
- Electronic earmuffs – Electronic earmuffs are technologically advanced devices featuring built-in microphones. They are equipped with noise-canceling technology and allow only specific frequencies of noise to pass through.
Picking the Right Hearing Protection Device: Top Factors to Consider
When it comes to selecting the right hearing protection device, consider these factors:
- Check the NRR – NRR stands for noise reduction rating, which is a numerical value that signifies the decibel-reduction potential of a hearing protection device. If the NRR is higher, it indicates that the device has a better noise-blocking capability. So, before choosing a hearing protector, you must consider the noise levels in your intended environment. For instance, an NRR of 10-15 dB device will suffice for low-noise environments, an NRR of 20-25 dB is suitable for moderate-noise environments, and an NRR of 30 dB or higher is good for high-noise environments.
- Comfort level – The hearing protection device must have a snug fit so it can be worn for extended hours without any discomfort. If the hearing protector is uncomfortable, you probably won’t wear it consistently. It is important to take your comfort into consideration.
- Check the compatibility of the device with other equipment: Do you need to wear a hearing protection device with hard hats or other safety equipment? Do you need to communicate while wearing the hearing protector? If so, you must choose a hearing protection device that seamlessly integrates with other equipment.
- Think of the environment – You must consider your work environment and take into account the humidity and temperature of your work setting. There are hearing protection devices that are more suitable than others in particular conditions.
- The durability of the device: It is highly preferred that you use reusable hearing protection devices as they reduce waste. However, the disposable ones might come in handy in some situations. Ensure the devices are crafted from durable materials.
- User-friendliness – You must properly understand how to insert and remove the device from your ears. It must be done easily and quickly.
Tips for Determining your Ideal Noise Reduction Needs
NIOSH recommends you stay below the 8-hour time-weighted average exposure to 85 dB. You can calculate your average exposure to noise by measuring your noise exposure. You will find sound meter apps or even professional meters to measure the levels of noise in the environment.
Then, you have to subtract the desired exposure level from the measured noise level and divide it by two. The final result is the minimum NRR required. It is generally recommended that a hearing protection device with a slightly higher NRR than the minimum requirement be selected.
Additional Tips for Ensuring Proper Protection of your Ears
- If the hearing protection device comes with instructions, ensure that you carefully go through them.
- You can conduct a fit test to make sure the device comfortably fits in your ear. When you first insert an earplug, you should feel a slight pressure, and this is completely normal.
- Regularly inspect your hearing protectors to ensure they are damaged. You must store and clean them properly so they can be used for a long time.
- If you see signs of damage, make preparations for a replacement.
The Bottom Line
Selecting the right hearing protection device is not an unnecessary investment. It is an investment in maintaining your long-term health and preventing noise-induced hearing loss. This guide aims to help you navigate the process of choosing a hearing protection device, outlines all the factors that must be considered, and gives a glimpse into the different types of protectors at your disposal.
Remember, it is always better to prevent hearing loss because once your hearing capability is damaged, it cannot be reversed.