Healthy Hearing: Simple Steps to Mitigating Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 40 million people in the U.S. show signs of noise-induced hearing loss in one or both ears. It’s a condition that can affect anyone and often goes unnoticed until it’s too late, which is why proactive hearing protection is so important, especially for laborers working in manufacturing or around loud machinery. Consistent exposure to high noise levels without proper protection puts workers at serious risk. Wearing the right hearing protection on the job isn’t just a safety measure, it’s a long-term investment in workers’ health.
What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when loud sounds damage the delicate structures or nerve fibers in the inner ear. This can happen from a single intense noise or from repeated exposure to high noise levels over time. Unfortunately, this type of hearing loss is permanent and cannot be medically reversed—which is why protecting your hearing is so important. With hearing, you only get one chance. Wearing proper hearing protection on the job is a simple step that can make a lifelong difference.
Hearing protection should be used for any noise that is above 85 decibels. Listed below are some real-world examples of different decibel levels.
- A ticking watch: 20dB
- Moderate rainfall: 50dB
- A dishwasher: 70dB
- A blender: 85dB
- A lawnmower: 95dB
- Concerts and sporting events: 110dB
- A jet aircraft taking off from close range: 130dB (pain threshold)
Active vs Passive Hearing Protection
Hearing protection comes in two forms, and each type comes with its own unique benefits.
Active Hearing Protection: Electronic earmuffs are a form of active hearing protection that are designed with advanced noise-canceling technology that automatically responds to your environment. When noise levels exceed 85 dB, the earmuffs activate their hearing protection system—typically reducing sound by 24 to 26 dBs. One of their key advantages is that they allow you to hear conversations and important sounds clearly, while filtering out harmful background noise.
Passive Hearing Protection: Passive hearing protection, like earmuffs or foam earplugs, uses physical materials to block and absorb sound. While they don’t adapt to changing noise levels like electronic options, they’re a cost-effective and dependable way to reduce noise exposure below the 85 dB safety threshold, when worn properly. For many environments, passive protection offers a straightforward and effective solution to help safeguard hearing on the job.
Things to Consider When Choosing Hearing Protection
Communication Needs: In jobs where communication is constant, active hearing protection is essential. If workers are frequently removing earplugs or lifting earmuffs just to hear instructions, they’re unintentionally exposing themselves to harmful noise levels. Electronic hearing protection allows for clear conversations while still reducing dangerous background noise.
Noise Frequency: Passive hearing protection, like earmuffs or foam earplugs, uses physical materials to block and absorb sound. While they don’t adapt to changing noise levels like electronic options, they’re a cost-effective and dependable way to reduce noise exposure below the 85 dB safety threshold, when worn properly. For many environments, passive protection offers a straightforward and effective solution to help safeguard hearing on the job.
Noise Levels: Earplugs are typically going to offer the greatest levels of noise reduction since they are designed to fit directly into the ear canal. On their own, ear plugs can usually reduce noise by 31 to 33dBs. When combined with passive earmuffs, they can reduce up to 37dBs. Alternatively, electronic earmuffs can only reduce noise but 24 to 26dBs.
Maintenance Needs: Electronic earmuffs require more attention because their batteries have to be either charged or replaced, so workers will need to make sure that their earmuffs have enough charge to last them throughout the entire day.
Affordability: Disposable earplugs are the most affordable option for hearing protection. However, once removed, they can be difficult to reinsert properly and must be replaced frequently to remain effective. For more frequent or long-term use, reusable earplugs offer a more sustainable solution. And for workers who use hearing protection intermittently throughout the day, passive earmuffs are a convenient and reliable alternative.
Comfort: If a worker needs hearing protection throughout the entire day, earplugs are going to be the most lightweight and comfortable option, especially if workers are in a hot or wet environment. Some workers, however, may find it easier to find earmuffs that fit them properly.
Hearing Technology That's built to Last
Pyramex understands the lasting impact hearing loss can have, not just on the job, but in everyday life. That's why we’re proud to offer a full range of active and passive hearing protection solutions. Every worker deserves access to reliable, effective hearing protection, so they can stay safe today and preserve their hearing for tomorrow.
