Introduction
Most individuals enjoy listening to loud music without acknowledging the fact that constant exposure to loud noises may result in ear damage. The ear is an extremely tender organ that is easily affected by loud noise exposure. Protecting the ears by various means helps to decrease noise exposure and ear damage. Various hearing protection devices are available to safeguard the ears.
What Is Hearing Protection?
Hearing protection helps to prevent the ears from being exposed to loud noises. It safeguards the ear and hinders the intensity of loud noises from entering the inner ear canal. It is very useful for individuals who work in industries that have exposure to loud noises.
What Is the General Rule for Hearing Protection?
The ear can accommodate a capacity of hearing decibels on continual exposure, beyond which it could be dangerous to the ears. The advised hearing protection is approximately at or above 85 decibels. Ignoring hearing protection could cause serious damage to the ear and result in hearing loss. The ear is a very delicate organ and has to be protected cautiously to enjoy good hearing.
When Should an Individual Use Hearing Protection?
Individuals working in factories or workplaces that have excessively noisy environments should wear ear protection. It is also better to wear hearing protection while using power tools, firearms, and noisy yard equipment. Habitual exposure to loud noise may lead to deafness or gradual loss of hearing. Louder noises may further accelerate hearing loss. For unprotected ears, the average exposure time usually decreases by one-half for every five decibels in an average noise level. For example, the exposure is limited to eight hours at 90 decibels and four hours at 95 decibels. The highest permitted noise for unprotected ears is 115 decibels for 15 minutes per day and a total of two hours. Noises above 140 decibels are not permitted.
Why Is Hearing Protection Required?
Hearing protection is required to protect the ear from loud noises. In general, sound can be scientifically measured in two different ways, which are mentioned below,
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The intensity or loudness of the noise is calculated in decibels.
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Pitch is measured in the frequency of sound vibrations per second.
A lower pitch tends to make lesser vibrations per second when compared to a high voice. Sounds in the workplace are usually measured with a sound level meter or a field calibrator. The cheapest way to measure sound is using a sound level meter available in smartphones, although it could be less accurate.
When Is Hearing Protection Required?
Hearing protectors are specifically used to prevent exposure to loud noise that may result in hearing loss. The hearing protection device helps reduce noise exposure from damaging the ears, thereby preventing hearing loss. It protects the noise energy causing damage to the inner ear. The most commonly used ear protectors are earmuffs and ear plugs. They are simple and easily available ear protectors that prevent noise energy from affecting the tender parts of the inner ear.
What Are the Types of Hearing Protection?
Hearing protectors are devices that help to decrease the intensity of sound that reaches the ear drum. Hearing protectors are usually available in two forms which are listed below:
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Earplugs - They are small inserts that fit tight into the outer ear canal. They should fit snugly so that the circumference of the ear canal is completely blocked, thereby preventing any noise from penetrating the inner ear canal. Improperly fitted earplugs can irritate the ear canal. Ear plugs are available in various sizes and shapes to accommodate individual ear canals and can be custom-made. People who have difficulty in fitting earplugs can fit them into the headband. Properly fitted earplugs help to reduce noise by about 15 to 30 decibels. Earplugs are much preferred for low-frequency noise.
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Earmuffs - They fit completely over the external ear to create an air seal so that the circumference of the ear canal is completely blocked. The earmuffs are held in position with the help of an adjustable band. They do not seal around eyeglasses or long hairs.
Using both earplugs and earmuffs simultaneously adds to about 10 to 15 decibels than used alone. Combined use of earplugs and earmuffs should be considered when the noise exposure exceeds 105 decibels. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends using double protectors for noise at or above 100 decibels. Earplugs and earmuffs, if not sealed properly, are of no use. While using hearing protectors, an individual may hear their own voice louder and deeper. This indicates that the hearing protectors are properly positioned.
How to Identify if the Noise Is Dangerous?
Every individual is sensitive to different types of noise exposure. So, the noise may damage the ears if an individual has to shout just to be heard when there is background noise. This noise could deliberately damage the ear and make it difficult to hear for several hours. Experts have suggested that continual exposure to more than 85 decibels could be dangerous. So, it is better to use hearing protection at or above 85 decibels. The length of time an individual is exposed to noise does play a significant role in hearing loss. Sounds produced by gunshots and stamping presses are extremely damaging to the ears. In addition, high-powered rifles generate sound in two ways, that is, the explosion of the powder charge and the crack of the bullet departing in the barrel. The closer an individual is to the source of noise, the more damages are bound to incur. The noises of large-bore guns and artillery are the worst, as they are extremely loud and cause irreversible ear damage.
Conclusion
The ears play a pivotal role in hearing. Exposure to loud noises may deliberately damage the ears causing a gradual decrease in hearing or deafness. Protecting the ears is crucial to prevent their ears from damaging. The most commonly used hearing protectors are earplugs and earmuffs. They help to decrease noise exposure by about 15 to 30 decibels. Using both together is known to have synergistic effects. Individuals in workplaces with loud noises should frequently monitor the sound decibel to protect the inner ears. Safeguarding the ears is crucial to enjoying a healthy life and performing daily activities without any hindrance.
