As Audiologists, our goal is to prevent hearing loss.
Why should I wear hearing protection?
Noise is everywhere! It is estimated that possibly as many as 30 million Americans work in hazardous noise on a daily basis. Extra-curricular activities and hobbies such as concerts, race cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles, power tools, lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc. all compound our exposures outside of work. This constant stimulation leaves us (and our ears) with very little quiet time in our lives. This quiet time is essential in the conservation of our hearing.
We don’t get used to the noise. Instead, our ears become over-stimulated which results in temporary and even permanent damage. The receptors in our ears, called outer and inner hair cells, become damaged or broken resulting in a loss that cannot be reversed. Even if you already have some hearing loss, you should wear hearing protection because you can prevent the loss from worsening.
Images courtesy of Elliott Berger, Senior Scientist, Aearo Technologies.
When should I wear hearing protection?
A good rule of thumb is that if you must shout over a noise to be heard by a person standing at arms length, you should be wearing hearing protection.
There are two variables that must be considered when determining if hearing protection should be worn – duration and intensity. It may take only a few minutes in an extremely loud environment (e.g. factory) to cause a hearing loss. Conversely, it may take several hours in a moderately-loud environment (e.g. leaf blower) to cause a hearing loss. In a work environment, OSHA regulations requires hearing protection if the noise exceeds 85 dBA for 8 hours. As noise levels increase over 85 dBA, the amount of allowable exposure time will decrease.
We understand that not all employees are exposed to loud levels for their entire shift; however, it is in the employer's best interest to provide hearing protection to prevent hearing loss.
Not only should you wear hearing protection at work, recreational activities may require ear plugs also. Some examples include mowing the lawn, using a chainsaw, vacuuming, shooting guns at target practice and while hunting and attending concerts. Those are just a few examples!
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20 Ticking Watch
30 Quiet Whisper, Dripping Faucet
40 Refrigerator Hum |
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50 Rainfall (moderate)
60 Sewing Machine
65 Washing Machine
70 Vacuum Cleaner |
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80 Blender, Alarm Clock
85 Average Traffic
90 Riding Lawnmower
105 Chain Saw, Motorcycle ride
110 Rock Concert |
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120 Thunderclap, Sirens
130 Jackhammer, Jet Plane |
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140 Firecracker, Gunshot |
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Who should wear hearing protection?
Everyone! If you are participating in any of those situations listed above (and others), you should be wearing hearing protection. You must remember, it is never too late to start protecting your hearing! The earlier, the better!
Remember - many hearing aid users with whom we work, often tell us they wish they had worn earplugs when they were at work or listening to loud music.
What is a Hearing Conservation Program (HCP)?
A comprehensive HCP includes 5 elements.
- Noise Survey & Analysis: This is done by taking sampling measurements throughout the day in the areas of concern. Once it is determined that your employees are at risk, the following steps can be implemented.
- Education and Motivation: Education of workers and management on the hazardous noise and the effect it has on their hearing. Motivation to comply with the enacted policies is also important. The best way to do this is by setting a good example for fellow colleagues.
- Noise Control: This requires engineering controls to reduce hazardous noise exposure. Oftentimes, when new equipment is needed in the workplace it is recommended to consider “buying quiet.” Many machines are now being designed and manufactured to run at lower intensity levels.
- Hearing Protection Devices: The selection and fitting of hearing protection for those exposed workers; including training on proper use as well as management and supervision to ensure proper use. Audiometric
- Monitoring: Evaluation of the exposed workers hearing to ensure that the employee is properly protected. Follow-up is required if any significant changes are found.
What types of hearing protection are available?
There are many types of hearing protection available. The best hearing protection is one that you will wear comfortably and properly. Therefore, our office offers many types to suit everyone’s needs. All plugs can be divided into non-custom or custom styles. Non-custom styles are those that are “one size fits all” and do not require an impression of the ear to be created. Examples of both non-custom and custom plugs can be found below.
- Non-Custom: Foam Plugs Pre-molded Plugs Earmuffs Musician’s Plugs
- Custom: Swimming/Bathing/Noise Plugs Musician’s Plugs Shooter’s Plugs Snore Plugs
- Specialty: In-Ear Monitors Motor Sports Snore Plugs
Click on each section to learn more information or click here for additional reference materials.
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