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Facts About Noise

Overprotection

Factoid: In industry almost everyone is overprotected, and still many workers are developing noise induced hearing damage! What's going on?

NIOSH estimates that 90% of all noise exposed workers in the US are exposed to a TWA (Time Weighted Average) of less than 95 dB.
This means that these 90% of all noise exposed workers need hearing protection with only 5-10 dB of effective protection. Effective protection is defined as the protection a device will actually provide, as worn in the field. Field attenuation is lower than laboratory derived attenuation, mostly because the hearing protectors are not worn as intended.
Why are most companies providing high attenuation hearing protectors in the range of 29 dB to their workers? Probable answers: a) When hearing damage occurs the reaction is normally to increase the NRR, instead of making sure that hearing protection is worn correctly. b) OSHA has also played a role in this development, by their de-rating scheme (reduce by 7 dB and divide by 2). Read more about this at: Conflicting information on how to use the NRR.
What are the consequences of using high attenuation hearing protection in low noise environments? a) Communications difficulties is the main drawback. Inability to hear often leads to the removal of the hearing protector in order to improve communication. b) A feeling of isolation by having to much of the environmental sounds removed. c) Increased hearing damage caused by hearing protection not being used 100% of the time.
The maximum daily noise dose according to OSHA is 8 hours at 85 dB(A). At 100 dB the maximum dose is one hour and at 110 dB the maximum dose is 15 minutes. Removing the hearing protectors, even for short periods of time, can therefore quickly lead to a too large daily noise dose.
What is then the right solution for the 90% of US workers who are exposed to 95 dB or less? Suggested answer: Chose a lower attenuation hearing protector such as a flat attenuation plug or muff. The advantages offered are a) better ability to communicate b) less need to remove the hearing protector in order to communicate c) hopefully but not necessarily a more comfortable hearing protector, which leads to better usage compliance.
Check out Elvex FlatLiner ear muffs, designed to provide lower attenuation in the high frequencies and consequently better ability to communicate in a noisy environment. Chose a comfortable hearing protector, and use it 100% of the time!

Facts About Noise

Overprotection

Factoid: In industry almost everyone is overprotected, and still many workers are developing noise induced hearing damage! What's going on?

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