What is Ear Protection?

If you have a job or hobby you love but it exposes you to loud noise, you need to use ear protection to protect your hearing. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Heath recommends that noise exposure be limited to 85 decibels. That threshold is easily exceeded by power tools, lawn equipment, ATVs, musical instruments and firearms. If you want to keep enjoying your job or hobby for a long time, you need to select the right level of ear protection. There are many options.

In-the-canal devices

These small earplugs are available in reusable and disposable options. They usually look like a small barrel or bullet.

• Disposable earplugs: These foam plugs fit snugly in the ear canal. They are commonly made of polyurethane to avoid problems with latex allergies. Some are mounted to cords to allow them to hang around the neck when not in use. This is convenient if you need to frequently remove them. These can provide you a decibel reduction of 12-20 decibels and some higher quality ones reduce up to 30 decibels.
• Reusable earplugs: Reusable earplugs are more sturdy and durable. They are made from soft polymers and silicone. Many have a small diaphragm in the middle that allows some sound to pass. These will reduce sounds average 20-27 decibels. Like disposable earplugs, they are available mounted to neck cords, as well as individually.

No matter which style you use, make sure you insert them properly and test them once they are inserted. Hold your hands over your ears. If holding your hands over your ears once the plugs are inserted reduces the sound you hear, you’ve got them in wrong. Remove and reinsert.

Custom earmolds

These types of ear protectors look very similar to hearing aids and are manufactured by some of the same companies that make hearing aids. The earmold fills the ear and is custom made for your ear shape. These are favorites of hunters. Many models incorporate amplification with hearing protection. The amplification helps you pick up subtle sounds like a twig snapping, leaves moving and feathers fluttering while suppressing the sound of gunfire. By the way, the average gun discharge is about 140 decibels, far above the safe threshold. No matter what type of hearing protection you wear, you should wear hearing protection any time you discharge a firearm.

Industrial earmuffs and headsets

These are the cushioned gear you see workers in airports and other extremely noisy environments wear to protect their hearing. These are worn over the ear and the acoustic earseals can tune out 30 decibels or more.

It is important that you get the right fit and properly wear earmuffs and headsets for maximum protection.

Something to Consider

For your personal protection, as well as the protection of your hearing, be sure to avoid overprotection. In minimal noise environments, you want just the amount you need to block out the harmful noise but still allow you to hear co-workers or emergency and warning signals.

If you’re considering ear protection, but aren’t sure what the best product would be for your personal situation, talk with a hearing care professional to find out their recommendations.