Choosing the Right Hearing Protection

Choosing the Right Hearing Protection

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Choosing The Right Hearing Protection

It is critical to use adequate hearing protection to avoid long lasting damage. Permanent hearing loss can result from extended exposure to unsafe levels of sound. This type of hearing loss is irreversible and cannot be corrected with hearing aids or other equipment. In addition to temporary or permanent hearing loss, loud noises can also create physical and psychological stress and interfere with productivity and communication.

TYPICAL SOUND LEVEL

90 dB

Hearing Protection Device

NRR: 33dB

OSHA Correction Factor (-7 dB) with 50% Reduction

- 13 dB

Attenuation with Earplugs

77 dB

Additional Protection

Second Hearing Protection Device: Earmuffs

- 5 dB

Final Attenuation

72 dB

BOILER ROOM

TRUCK TRAFFIC

LAWNMOWER


Riding Lawnmower
Typical Sound Level90 dB
with Earplugs77 dB
with Earplugs and Earmuffs72 dB

CONSTRUCTION

CHAINSAW

PNEUMATIC DRILL


Chainsaw
Typical Sound Level100 dB
with Earplugs87 dB
with Earplugs and Earmuffs82 dB

SYMPHONY

POWER SAW

BABY CRYING


Symphony
Typical Sound Level110 dB
with Earplugs97 dB
with Earplugs and Earmuffs92 dB

SAND BLASTING


Sandblasting
Typical Sound Level115 dB
with Earplugs102 dB
with Earplugs and Earmuffs97 dB

FOOTBALL GAME


Football Game
Typical Sound Level117 dB
with Earplugs102 dB
with Earplugs and Earmuffs97 dB

HEAVY EQUIPMENT

JET ENGINE


Jet Engine
Typical Sound Level120 dB
with Earplugs107 dB
with Earplugs and Earmuffs102 dB

JACKHAMMER

PERCUSSION


Jackhammer
Typical Sound Level130 dB
with Earplugs117 dB
with Earplugs and Earmuffs112 dB

FIREARMS


Firearms
Typical Sound Level 140 dB
with Earplugs 127 dB
with Earplugs and Earmuffs 122 dB

ROCK CONCERT


Rock Concert
Typical Sound Level 150 dB
with Earplugs 137 dB
with Earplugs and Earmuffs 132 dB