Earplugs are essential products designed to be inserted into the ears to block out surrounding noise. Their primary purpose is to not only provide comfort by reducing noise levels but also to protect the ears from potential hearing damage and hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to loud noises can be detrimental to hearing health, making earplugs a crucial tool for safeguarding one’s auditory well-being.
A study revealed that approximately 18 percent of adults aged 20 to 69, who were exposed to very loud noise at work for five or more years, suffered from bilateral hearing loss in the speech frequencies. Comparatively, only 5.5 percent of adults who reported no exposure to occupational noise experienced bilateral hearing loss in the speech frequencies. This highlights the importance of earplugs as effective hearing protectors to reduce the intensity of noise exposure.
The level of noise reduction provided by earplugs depends on their proper fit and the specific noise levels to which the wearer is exposed. Typically, well-fitted hearing protection earplugs can reduce noise by 15 to 34 decibels (dB). The higher the noise intensity, the less noise reduction earplugs can offer. To achieve greater noise reduction, individuals may opt for combined hearing protection, such as wearing both earplugs and earmuffs simultaneously, especially when exposed to noise levels exceeding 105 dB.
By using earplugs and other hearing protection devices correctly, individuals can minimize the risk of hearing damage and hearing loss caused by loud noises in various settings, including workplaces, concerts, industrial environments, and recreational activities. Consistent use of earplugs, especially in noisy environments, can contribute significantly to maintaining long-term hearing health and preventing potential hearing-related issues.
Noise reduction rating of earplugs
To understand the effectiveness of earplugs in reducing noise levels, it’s essential to be familiar with the concept of Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). NRR is a standardized measure expressed in decibels (dB) that indicates how well earplugs can attenuate or reduce noise levels. The higher the NRR value, the more effective the earplugs are at blocking out noise.
The NRR value is typically provided on the packaging of earplugs and is regulated by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). It helps users make informed decisions when selecting earplugs suitable for their specific noise exposure needs. The NRR value represents the maximum potential noise reduction that the earplugs can offer under ideal conditions.
When shopping for earplugs, you will find products with NRR values ranging from 22 dB to 33 dB. For example, if you encounter noise levels of 100 dB and use earplugs with an NRR of 30 dB, the effective noise exposure would be reduced to 70 dB (100 dB – 30 dB).
However, it’s crucial to remember that the real-world noise reduction may vary due to factors like improper insertion or fit, variations in noise frequencies, and the wearer’s ability to use the earplugs correctly. Therefore, it’s advisable to ensure that the selected earplugs offer sufficient NRR for the specific noise environment and situation.
To determine the appropriate level of hearing protection you need, you can refer to the following tables that correlate various noise exposure levels with the recommended dB hearing protection. By choosing earplugs with the appropriate NRR, you can protect your hearing effectively and maintain auditory health in noisy environments.
How many decibels do earplugs block noise?
Using earplugs can indeed provide significant noise reduction, as indicated by the NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) value. However, it’s important to understand that earplugs do not reduce surrounding noise levels by the exact number indicated on them. The actual noise reduction depends on both the NRR value of the earplugs and the noise level you are exposed to.
Let’s consider an example: if you are in a noisy environment with a noise exposure of about 100 dB and you use earplugs with an NRR value of 33 dB, you won’t achieve a direct reduction of 64 dB in noise. Instead, you can calculate the actual noise reduction using the following formula:
Actual Noise Reduction = (NRR – 7) / 2
For the example above, the noise reduction equation would be (33 – 7) / 2 = 13 dB. This means that with earplugs rated at 33 dB NRR, the actual noise reduction achieved against 100 dB noise exposure is 13 dB. So the final noise level would be 100 dB – 13 dB = 87 dB.
To choose earplugs that meet your specific needs, you should consider the noise level you are exposed to in your particular activity or environment. Refer to the table below to find the recommended dB values for each activity. By doing so, you can select earplugs that will effectively and safely block out the noise you encounter during your activities.
| dB | Activity |
|---|---|
|
30 |
Whisper |
|
40 |
Average home noise
|
|
50 |
Rainfall |
|
60 |
Normal conversation |
|
70 |
Vacuum cleaner, Average radio |
|
80 |
Heavy traffic, Noisy restaurant, Alarm |
|
85 |
Sound above 85 db are harmful |
|
90 |
Subway, shouted conversation |
|
100 |
Concerts, Pneumatic drill, Motorcycle, Night club, ATV |
|
110 |
Chainsaw, Snowmobile |
|
120 |
Rock concert |
|
130 dB |
Car race, Gunshot, siren at 100 feet |
protecting your ears from excessive noise exposure is crucial to prevent hearing loss over time. Noise levels exceeding 85 dB can be potentially harmful, especially if you are exposed to them regularly. It’s essential to use effective earplugs or other hearing protection devices in environments where noise levels reach or exceed this threshold.
To ensure proper protection, you can follow the recommended dB values for each activity as mentioned in the previous response:
- Quiet bedroom at night: 30 dB
- Normal conversation: 60 dB
- Busy city traffic: 85 dB
- Lawnmower: 90 dB
- Concerts, sporting events: 100 dB
- Power tools: 110 dB
- Jet engine at takeoff: 140 dB
For activities with noise levels exceeding 85 dB, such as concerts, using earplugs with a sufficient NRR value is highly advisable. Effective earplugs can help reduce the noise to a safer level and protect your hearing from potential damage.
If you’re unsure about the noise levels in your environment, you can use smartphone apps specifically designed to measure dB noise levels. These apps use your device’s microphone to detect and display the sound intensity in decibels. By using such apps, you can better understand the noise levels you are exposed to and take appropriate measures to safeguard your hearing.
Do earplugs block out all noise?
Earplugs are effective in reducing the overall noise level around you, but they cannot completely block out all sounds. This is because sounds can travel through two main pathways to reach your ears: air conduction and bone conduction.
Earplugs primarily work by blocking the pathway of air conduction. They create a physical barrier in the ear canal that prevents sound waves from directly entering the ear. However, sounds can still reach the inner ear through bone conduction. Bone conduction occurs when sound waves are transmitted through the bones of your skull to the inner ear, bypassing the outer and middle ear.
While earplugs are efficient in reducing the impact of air-conducted sounds, they are less effective against sounds that are transmitted through bone conduction. Therefore, even when wearing earplugs, you may still perceive some low-frequency sounds or vibrations, especially if the noise level is very high.
It’s important to understand that earplugs are designed to provide hearing protection and reduce the overall noise level to a safer and more comfortable range. They are not intended to create complete silence or block out all sounds entirely.
For some individuals, the sensation of their own breathing or other internal sounds may also become more noticeable when using earplugs due to the reduction in external noise. This is normal and does not indicate a problem with the earplugs themselves.
If you need a higher level of noise reduction or desire complete sound isolation, you may consider using noise-cancelling headphones or earmuffs, which employ active technology to cancel out external sounds. However, it’s important to use such devices responsibly and avoid wearing them in situations where awareness of your surroundings is necessary for safety, such as when walking in traffic or in busy public areas.
Tips for better noise reduction
Using earplugs correctly is essential to ensure they provide the maximum noise reduction and protect your ears effectively. Here are some important tips to help you use your earplugs properly:
Clean Hands: Before handling your earplugs, make sure your hands are clean and free from any dirt or oils. This will prevent any contamination of the earplugs, ensuring a better fit and hygiene.
Insertion Technique: Gently roll or compress the earplug between your fingers to reduce its size. This will help with insertion. With your opposite hand, reach over your head and pull the top of your ear slightly upwards and outwards. This straightens the ear canal, making it easier to insert the earplug.
Proper Seal: Insert the compressed earplug into your ear canal while keeping it slightly compressed. Hold the earplug in place for a few seconds to allow it to expand and conform to the shape of your ear canal. This will create a proper seal and enhance noise reduction.
Comfortable Fit: The earplugs should fit snugly but comfortably in your ears. If you feel any discomfort or pain, try adjusting their position or using a different size or type of earplugs.
No Gaps: Ensure that there are no gaps or spaces between the earplug and your ear canal. If you feel like the earplug is not sealing properly, try re-inserting it or using a different size that fits better.
Single Use: If your earplugs are disposable, use them only once and then dispose of them. Reusing disposable earplugs can compromise their effectiveness and hygiene.
Reusable Earplugs: If you have reusable earplugs, clean them regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Proper cleaning and maintenance ensure their longevity and effectiveness.
Safety Considerations: While using earplugs, be mindful of your surroundings, especially in situations where situational awareness is crucial for safety, such as crossing roads or working in hazardous environments.
If you are uncertain about the proper use of your earplugs, it’s always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or guidelines for specific information. Additionally, seeking advice from an audiologist or hearing healthcare professional can help ensure you are using your earplugs correctly and getting the best protection for your ears.
You can check out my detailed blog on how to insert reaplugs properly.