The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can lead to permanent damage. Everyday workplace noises, like those from heavy machinery, power tools, production lines and loud music in entertainment venues, put many workers at risk. Without proper precautions, workers may develop hearing loss or tinnitus.
To help you safeguard your hearing at work, let’s look at four different noise protection options.
Foam Earplugs
Foam earplugs are an affordable and effective solution for noise protection. They’re soft, expandable and fit snugly in the ear canal, helping to reduce sound exposure significantly. A few different types of foam earplugs include:
- Formable. Formable earplugs are made of soft foam that expands to fill your ear canal. Formable earplugs are generally meant for one-time use, but if you wear them only for a short time and clean them, you should be able to reuse them until they no longer expand to their original shape.
- Pre-molded earplugs. Pre-molded earplugs are made of silicone, plastic or rubber. High-fidelity is one common type of pre-molded earplugs. High-fidelity earplugs are ideal to protect your ears while still hearing sounds like instructions or music. Think of them like turning down the volume on your TV or radio to a more comfortable level.
- Canal caps. Canal cap earplugs are connected by a stiff band that gently pushes the earplugs into your ears to create a seal. Canal cap earplugs may use either formable or pre-molded tips.
Custom Earplugs
Custom earplugs are an excellent choice for those requiring frequent and reliable hearing protection. Because they’re molded to the exact shape of your ears, these plugs provide comfort and effectiveness. Custom earplugs offer a higher level of noise reduction, making them ideal for construction workers, musicians and industrial employees.
Earmuffs or Ear Covers
Earmuffs, also known as ear covers, provide complete hearing protection by covering the entire ear. They are widely used in high-noise industries like construction, manufacturing and aviation. Earmuffs may not be ideal for people who wear glasses as they can break the seal around your ear, letting noise in and potentially damaging your glasses.
Prioritize Your Hearing Health
Protecting your hearing in noisy work environments is essential for long-term ear health. Employers are required to provide appropriate hearing protection if noise levels exceed OSHA’s safe limits. If you are frequently exposed to loud noise, it’s important to schedule regular hearing tests to monitor your hearing health. Schedule an appointment with San Diego Hearing Center today for guidance and hearing protection solutions.