Audiology

Hearing

Hearing and Noise Protection

Hearing Protection: A Must for Anyone Who Works or Plays in Noisy Environments

If you work in an exceptionally noisy environment, you should always wear hearing protectors. Read and follow the directions carefully to obtain maximum benefits. They should also be worn whenever you use power tools and noisy yard equipment, when shooting firearms, or when riding motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and powerboats.

Types of Hearing Protection Devices

Ear plugs are inserted to block the ear canal. They may be pre-molded (preformed) or moldable (foam ear plugs). Ear plugs are sold as disposable products or reusable plugs. Custom molded ear plugs are also available.
Ear muffs consist of sound-attenuating material and soft ear cushions that fit around the ear and hard outer cups. They are held together by a head band.

Ear Plugs or Ear Muffs: Pros and Cons

Ear Plugs

Ear Muffs

Pros:

• Small and easily carried
• Convenient to use with other personal protection equipment (can be worn with ear muffs)
• More comfortable for long-term wear in hot, humid conditions
• Convenient for use in confined work areas

Pros:

• Less attenuation variability among users
• Designed so that one size fits most head sizes
• Not easily misplaced or lost
• May be worn with minor ear infections
• Can be quickly placed over and removed from your ears

Cons:

• Requires more time to fit
• More difficult to insert and remove
• Require good hygiene practices
• May irritate the ear canal
• Easily misplaced or lost

Cons:

• Less portable and heavier
• More inconvenient for use with other personal protective equipment
• More uncomfortable in hot, humid conditions
• Less convenient for use in confined work areas
• May interfere with wearing safety or prescription glasses (wearing glasses can break the seal between the ear muff and the skin, resulting in decreased hearing protection)

All Hearing Protectors Are Not Created Equal

If you require hearing protection at work, your manager or company safety officer can probably recommend hearing protection that’s right for your particular job. If you need hearing protection for home or recreational use, be sure to read the product packaging carefully to make sure they fit properly.

Check the Noise Reduction Rating

Manufacturers generally provide information about the noise reducing capability of hearing protection devices by using an NRR (noise reduction rating) number on the product packaging. NRR ratings are based on the maximum noise reduction obtained in laboratory conditions and are given as an NRR number in decibels (dB). The higher the number, the more hearing protection provided by the device.