Eliminating the Impact of High Noise with Effective Ear Hearing Protection
There is no doubt that there a lot of noise out there, and a lot of out can be dangerous to our hearing health. There are many factors that contribute to hearing loss, but none is more profound that noise exposure. While noise is the chief contributor to hearing loss, high levels of noise can cause a loss of hearing in an instant or sometimes build up over a lifetime to eventually cause hearing loss. The single most effective approach for hearing loss prevention is the awareness of noise exposure.
There are several high-risk careers that cause occupational hearing loss and many workers who are exposed to loud sounds are at a risk for hearing loss. While any worker can be at risk for noise-induced hearing loss in the workplace, workers in many industries like mining, construction, aviation, transportation, etc., have higher exposures to dangerous levels of noise. And according to NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) only an average of 15% employees uses hearing protection, in these high-risk and high noise environments. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) recommends three types of active hearing protection:
• Foam ear plugs, soft plugs that more or less mould themselves to your ear canal.
• Ear muffs or noise canceling headphones
Ideally in high noise situations, you could wear both ear plugs and hearing protection muffs. If you need industrial hearing protection, it is best to consult with your co-workers and employer or better still to visit the OSHA hearing protection areas to determine the best noise canceling solution for your situation. Whether you choose classic ear plugs, foam ear plugs, or hearing protection muffs, pick the solution that is most comfortable for you.
The most important factor in ear hearing protection equipment is the NRR (noise reduction rating) of the classic ear plugs or muffs you use. NRR ratings calculate maximum noise reduction results discovered under laboratory conditions and are quoted in decibels (dB). Choose a higher number of decibel reductions for the more noise you want to cancel.
Loss of hearing can be a serious problem with painful consequences, but the damage can be easily avoided. Protecting our ears from an early age throughout our lives is not only important but also essential. Any environment in which one must raise their voice to be heard is potentially a problem. Be proactive in approaching this issue to minimize your danger to a hearing loss by taking precautionary measures now!
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