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tech
Hearing
Protection
Like most safety equipment ear
protection is as important as the next. Loud noise,
even sort term can have detrimental effects on your hearing
ability. Statistics say that 1 in 10 people suffer
hearing loss that affects their ability to understand
speech. The damage caused by noise, called
sensorineural hearing loss or nerve deafness,
can be caused by several factors other than noise, but
noise-induced hearing loss is different in one important
way, it can be reduced or prevented altogether.
Our ears do not become tougher
to loud noises after prolonged exposure, if you think you
have grown used to loud noises it usually means some damage
has occurred.
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Sound intensity is
measured in decibels (dB). Decibels are
measured logarithmically. This means that as decibel
intensity increases by units of 10, each increase is
10 times the lower figure. Thus, 20 decibels
is 10 times the intensity of 10 decibels, and 30
decibels is 100 times as intense as 10 decibels.
Approx. Decibel Level with examples:
0 - Faintest
sound heard by human ear.
30 - Whisper, quiet library.
60 - Normal conversation, sewing machine,
typewriter.
90 - Lawnmower, shop tools, truck traffic; 8 hours
per day is the maximum exposure to protect 90% of
people.
100 - Chainsaw, pneumatic drill, snowmobile; 2 hours
per day is the maximum exposure without protection.
115 - Sandblasting, loud rock concert, auto horn; 15
minutes per day is the maximum exposure without
protection.
140 - Gun muzzle blast, jet engine; noise causes
pain and even brief exposure injures unprotected
ears. Maximum allowed noise with
hearing protectors. |
Types of hearing
protection
 Expandable
foam plugs
These plugs are made of a formable material designed to
expand and conform to the shape of each person's ear canal.
Roll the expandable plugs into a thin, crease-free cylinder.
Whether you roll plugs with thumb and fingers or across your
palm doesn't matter. What's critical is the final result—a
smooth tube thin enough so that about half the length will
fit easily into your ear canal. Some individuals, especially
women with small ear canals, have difficulty rolling typical
plugs small enough to make them fit. A few manufacturers now
offer a small size expandable plug.
Pre-molded, reusable plugs
Pre-molded plugs are made from silicone, plastic or
rubber and are manufactured as either “one-size-fits-most”
or are available in several sizes. Many pre-molded plugs are
available in sizes for small, medium or large ear canals.
Earmuffs
Earmuffs come in many models designed to fit most people.
They work to block out noise by completely covering the
outer ear. Muffs can be "low profile" with small ear cups or
large to hold extra materials for use in extreme noise. Some
muffs also include electronic components to help users
communicate or to block impulsive noises.
 Sound
Canceling
Sound canceling earmuffs use electronics to muffle noise
and allow speech to pass. These types allow for
conversation in very noisy areas.
Recommendation
Choose hearing protection
capable of handling 100 dB, the packaging will usually
indicate sound reduction. A pair of quality ear muffs
and a pack of disposable expandable foam plugs should cover
most situations.
Popular Hearing
Protection Products
Manufacturers and Resellers
Craftsman
SnapOn
jeepfan.com Guide to a Jeeper's Garage
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source: NIOSH |
