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.
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.
Additional resources:
NIOSH Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Best practice bulletin: Hearing protection-emerging trends: Individual Fit Testing
Hearing protection – OSH WIKI
To perfect your shooting accuracy and become a skilled shooter, your hearing will need to be protected — every time you head to the shooting range. If you are wondering which type of ear protection is best, here are some important must-knows.
People who use guns regularly will be exposing their ears to loud noise . That is why they are often more likely to develop hearing loss or other hearing impairments than those who do not shoot.
Many firearms generate noise louder than 85 decibels. If you are exposing your ears to this level of sound, it could cause permanent damage. This could not only impact your gun use but some of the most important aspects of your natural life, including your job or family living.
It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner, a young adult, or an experienced shooter, keeping your ears covered while shooting is critical to keeping them protected from damage or total hearing loss. It also minimizes flinching, which could cause you to miss your target or injure yourself.
Some of the most popular options for ear protection are earmuffs or ear defenders. With these, sound will be significantly reduced.
Shooting earplugs are great to use, too. They are crafted from moldable putty, foam material, or structured silicone. Earplugs that are custom molded to your ear also work, which allows for enhanced comfort and safety.
When you combine ear plugs with shooting ear muffs, you will have maximum protection from loud shooting noise.
One of the best and most popular choices for hearing protection, however, are noise-canceling electronic earmuffs. Unlike passive earmuffs, these electronic hearing protection muffs and devices use electronic technology that will reduce noise.
There are options for volume controls on the ear protection muffs, too. This helps reduce noise but also allows you to hear what is going on around you, which is important if you are hunting out in the elements.
Brands such as Peltor Sport Tactical 100, Howard Leight by Honeywell, and Walker’s Razor Slim are very popular.
Shooting without proper ear protection should never be an option. It does not take much to cause permanent hearing loss when using a firearm. This is especially true if you are using the gun on a regular basis.
If you are planning to shoot indoors for target practice and are close to walls, this can amplify the sound even more. The sound bounces off structures and could cause even greater damage because it will resonate for longer in the air.
When you head out to find shooting ear protection, look at the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). The higher the NRR Noise Reduction Rating, the more noise it blocks. You will want the highest NRR you can find for shooting. We recommend that ear protection should have an NRR rating of at least 30.
It is also important to do research on what kind of ear protection you need based on the rifle or firearm that you are using. If you plan on using a high-caliber rifle, you will need to invest in some higher quality ear protection that will always keep you protected.
When talking about ear protection, you can also muffle the sound at the source. Gun suppressors, often called silencers, not only reduce the noise of a gunshot but also provide valuable ear protection. By reducing the sound (not silencing it altogether) produced upon firing a gun, suppressors help prevent hearing damage commonly associated with repeated exposure to loud firearms.
They can significantly decrease the risk of hearing loss and tinnitus among shooters and those in close proximity. Integrating suppressors into shooting practices prioritizes personal safety and ear health. As such, they serve as a great accessory for both recreational shooters and professionals in various fields.
You only get one pair of ears in your lifetime, so treat them with care. Hearing well is a gift and preventing damage to your ears is an important part of enjoying hunting or target shooting.
If you need proper ear protection for shooting, we can help! We can answer your questions — in addition to helping you determine which option is right for your specific situation.
Our team at Sporting Systems can help get you set up with the right product that will keep your hearing intact. Our selection is unmatched, and we are dedicated to outstanding customer service. So don’t delay in browsing our selection!
We’re also experts in all manner of shooting and hunting and other gun-related activities. Above and beyond ear protection safety, we can also inform you on safety glasses and other gun safety products. Remember to ask us about gift cards!