We live in a noisy world. Some noises can damage our hearing, leading to hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and difficulty communicating especially in background noise. Permanent noise-induced hearing damage is incurable. If you cannot reduce your noise exposure by turning down the volume, moving away from the sound, or limiting the time you are exposed, hearing protection is your only option. But hearing protection comes in so many styles, materials, color, and sizes – how can you know which is best for you? National Protect Your Hearing Month is the perfect opportunity to discuss tips for picking the right hearing protector.
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Figure 1: Selection of different hearing protection devices – Earplugs, Earmuffs, and Earbands
Obviously, the first consideration in choosing a hearing protector is whether it will block enough noise to reduce your exposure to a safe level. The good news is that most industrial noise exposures are less than 95 dBA, which means most workers require no more than about 10 dB of noise reduction to meet the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit of 85 dBA. Almost any hearing protector, when fit correctly, can provide 10 dB of sound reduction. If you do not know the noise levels at your worksite, you can measure them with an app such as the NIOSH Sound Level Meter.
Louder environments demand higher levels of noise reduction, but beware of reducing sound too much. Just as too little light can make it just as difficult to see as too much light, too little sound can make you feel isolated and less aware of their surroundings. Overprotection can be counterproductive, as you may feel the need to remove your hearing protector to hear someone speak or listen to your equipment. Aim for just enough noise reduction to bring your exposure down to 75-85 dBA.
The Noise Reduction Rating on hearing protector packaging represents the amount of noise the hearing protector blocked when tested in a laboratory, but workers usually get much less noise reduction on the job. The best way to know how much noise reduction you are getting from a hearing protector is by fit-testing. If fit-testing is not available at your workplace, you can check earplug fit by counting out loud while slowly cupping and uncupping your hands over your ears; if you have a good fit, your voice should sound about the same as you cup and uncup your ears. NIOSH QuickFitWeb can also be used to check if you are getting more or less than 15 dB of sound reduction.
If you are exposed to noise levels 100 dBA or greater (such as chainsaws or jackhammers) or if you are exposed to impulsive sounds (such as nail gun or weapons noise), you should wear double hearing protection (earmuffs over earplugs).
Workplace characteristics beyond noise levels also need to be considered in choosing the right hearing protector. For example, do you have to wear other head-level personal protective equipment (PPE), such as eye protection, a hard hat, or a respirator? Eye protection (and even some eyeglasses) can interfere with the seal of an earmuff around the ear, allowing sound to leak into the ear. Earmuffs can interfere with the fit of hardhats or helmets; some muffs have a “low-profile” headband or are designed to be mounted directly onto a hardhat or helmet, eliminating this problem. Make sure that your hearing protection is compatible with other safety equipment you use at work.
Consider also whether the noise at your job is continuous or if it stops and starts at various times during the day. Do you stay in the same place for most of the workday, or move from one area to another? Earmuffs are easier to remove and replace than earplugs, so they may be better for intermittent noise exposures. If earmuffs are not an option due to other issues (e.g., compatibility with other PPE), pre-formed earplugs may be easier to remove and replace than foam plugs. Level-dependent or sound restoration hearing protectors can also be useful for intermittent exposures; these types of hearing protection allow sound to pass through when the background noise levels are low and become protective when noise levels increase.
Do your hands frequently get dirty at work? If so, avoid using foam earplugs which must be rolled down with your fingers before insertion, unless hand-washing facilities are readily available and you have time to wash up each time you need to insert the earplugs. Do you work in a tight space? Earmuffs may not be compatible when working in a confined area. Is it very hot or very cold where you work? Earmuffs can be uncomfortable in hot environments; earmuff cushions can become ineffective in very cold environments.
Finally, think about how frequently you need to hear speech while wearing hearing protection. If spoken communication is common, or if high fidelity sound is important for other reasons (e.g., musicians), flat attenuation hearing protectors may be helpful. Special communication headsets can also improve speech communication in very loud environments.
Once you have narrowed your selection down to hearing protectors that are appropriate for your noise exposure and compatible with your worksite and job tasks, the choice is completely up to you! However, hearing protection only works if you wear it consistently and correctly every time you are exposed to hazardous noise, so choose a protector that is comfortable and convenient.
Many people find earplugs more comfortable than earmuffs, especially when worn for long periods of time or in in hot environments. Earplugs are lightweight, easy to store, and convenient to keep on hand for unexpected exposures. However, earplugs may be harder to learn to fit properly. Some earplugs come in different sizes, so you may need help determining which size is correct for you. If your ear canals are very narrow or very curvy, it may be difficult to find an earplug that will fit. Earplugs are usually inexpensive, but they need to be replaced frequently; some earplugs are designed to be used once only and then discarded.
Earmuffs, on the other hand, are generally one-size devices. Many people find them easier to fit properly and consistently. Earmuffs are easier to remove and replace quickly, so they can be preferable for intermittent use. They are bulkier than earplugs and may be uncomfortable in warm places or tight spaces. They are more expensive, but more durable and last longer than earplugs.
Hearing health relies on knowing how to protect your hearing and how to select the right form of hearing protection. This National Protect Your Hearing Month, take a few minutes to make sure you are using the best hearing protection for your work tasks. Then, wear it every time you are exposed to noise levels above 85 dBA. Your ears will thank you!
CAPT William J. Murphy, Ph.D., is a research physicist with the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology.
Christa L. Themann, MA, CCC-A, is a research audiologist with the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology.
CAPT Chucri (Chuck) A. Kardous, MS, PE, is a research engineer with the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology.
CAPT David C. Byrne, Ph.D., CCC-A, is a research audiologist with the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology.
For more information, please visit Shooting Hearing Protection Canada.
Additional resources:
NIOSH Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Best practice bulletin: Hearing protection-emerging trends: Individual Fit Testing
Hearing protection – OSH WIKI
Welcome to the Proper Use of Hearing Protection Devices training video presented by the Department of Defense Hearing Center of Excellence. I’m Dr. Matthews.
And I’m Dr. Reynolds. Hearing protection devices play key roles in protecting against potentially damaging noise levels, which can result in hearing loss or tinnitus, also known as ringing in the ears.
Hearing protection devices include:
A common myth about hearing protection devices, especially in the military, is that hearing protection causes decreased situational awareness. But with today’s technology, hearing protection devices are available that can simultaneously protect hearing and enhance situational awareness.
Choosing the proper hearing protection depends on the environment, situation, noise type, and level. These days, there are many styles and types of devices available, so you can fine-tune the solution to your need.
Keep in mind that the proper use of hearing protection devices can prevent hearing damage and maintain your ability to fully enjoy the sounds of everyday life. If you have questions about your hearing protection device, seek advice from a hearing health provider or audiologist to ensure you have a correct size and properly fitted device.
Foam earplugs are the most common type of earplug. They’re primarily used for one-time exposures to hazardous noise, such as using power tools at home, or attending concerts or sporting events. They don’t require fitting by a medical professional, and foam earplugs are readily available at a variety of retail stores.
To properly insert foam earplugs:
The earplug expands to fill your ear canal.
Triple-flange earplugs are available in small, medium, and large sizes, and require initial fitting by a medically trained professional. These types of earplugs are reusable and provide protection from steady-state noise exposures when effective communication is not required, such as being in engine rooms or mowing the lawn.
You must have triple- and quad-flange earplugs examined by a medical professional for fit and condition at least once a year.
Dr. Matthews makes a good point about having reusable earplugs examined annually. Do you know that your ear canals change in size as you age? As a result, you may need a different size of hearing protection device.
Tactical earplugs are also reusable and provide protection from hazardous noise while allowing for effective communication and situational awareness. They’re available in small, medium, and large sizes, and also require initial fitting by a medically trained professional.
The tactical earplug has a toggle switch that allows you to select protection for either steady-state or impulse noise exposures. When the toggle switch is closed, it protects against steady-state noise hazards, such as generators, vehicles, and aircraft.
With the toggle switch open, it protects against impulse noise hazards, such as weapons fire and blasts. In the open position, it also allows you to hear softer sounds, such as speech, while providing hearing protection when you’re exposed to harmful noise.
Remember to have your tactical earplugs examined annually by a medical professional for fit and condition.
To properly insert triple- or quad-flange, or tactical earplugs:
To remove these types of earplugs, use a slow, twisting motion to break the airtight seal.
To make sure your earplugs are inserted properly and you have a good fit, use these self-check tests:
Remove and reposition the earplugs, if more than one third of your earplug is visible, if your voice isn’t heard in the center of your head, or if the earplugs come out easily when tugged. Then try the self-checks again until you have a proper fit.
Noise muffs, which are sometimes called noise reduction ear muffs, contain two tightly fitted ear cups that cover each of your ears and block noise from entering the ear canal. Noise muffs can provide greater noise reduction than earplugs and are readily available at most sporting goods stores.
Keep in mind that noise muffs are practical for situations with occasional noise exposure, such as on a flight line, at a shooting range, or doing noisy chores around the house like mowing the lawn or using power tools. They’re easy to put on and take off and consistently provide a high level of protection.
Noise muffs block out sound by creating an airtight seal. For a proper fit, the headband must be tight to maintain the seal around your head. If the headband tension isn’t tight enough, the noise reduction decreases.
Ear cup fit is equally important. If the ear cups are too large or loose on your head, they can’t create an airtight seal. Keep in mind that if the noise muffs are too small for your head, they may be uncomfortable, and if the ear cups don’t cover both of your ears entirely, they won’t protect your hearing.
Ear cups must be replaced once they start to show cracks and tears, or if they look worn. If the ear cups can’t be replaced, new noise muffs are required.
A specialized hearing protection device that simultaneously protects hearing and enables auditory situational awareness is the Tactical Communication and Protective Systems, or TCAPS. TCAPS combine with existing communication equipment so that military personnel can hear what they need to, and prevent hearing injury from hazardous noises.
If you have questions about your hearing or the proper use of hearing protection devices, contact your hearing health provider or audiologist for more information.
You can also visit the DoD Hearing Center of Excellence web site at hearing.health.mil for more in-depth information about your hearing and hearing health.
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