Hearing Protection : What is it?
| Hearing protection are devices used to dampen loud sounds and noises. They can be worn over the head and ears like ear muffs or plugged directly into the outer ears like hearing aids. They use special noise dampening systems to lower the intensity of gunshots in hunting and target shooting, and the sounds of chainsaws, mowers, tractors, and other equipment that make a lot of noise in farming. Their effectiveness in protecting users from hearing damage is determined by their Noise Reduction Rating (NRR).
Hearing protection are important for people who are exposed to sounds higher than 60 decibels-- the noise level associated with everyday conversation—like farmers and deejays. In 2002 alone, two-thirds of Minnesota’s farmers had been diagnosed with moderate to significant loss of hearing. An average tractor belts out sounds as high as 85 dB, and continuous daily eight-hour exposures to it can lead to significant hearing loss. The headphones of a CD player produce sounds as high as 110 dB, and they can already cause hearing damage after a 15-minute daily exposure.
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Kinds of Hearing Protections include the following: |
Hearing protection ear muffs
- Hearing protection ear muffs consist of two large, padded ear covers connected by a headband.
- They are worn over the head and ears. They can be uncomfortable to wear in hot climates.
- They offer excellent noise reduction.
- They can compress persistent noise and impulse to a comfortable hearing level of around 85 decibels (dB).
- The electronic types use several independent and directional microphones to pick up and amplify even the softest sounds from all directions.
- They have an average Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of around 29 dB.
Behind-the-ear hearing protection ear muffs
- Behind-the-ear hearing protection ear muffs are worn behind the head and over the ears.
- They provide zero interference for users who frequently wear hats and caps.
- They are made up of a sound amplifier that allows users to hear very soft noises and a dual microphone that can be pointed to the intended hearing direction.
- They use automatic sound dampening systems to reduce loud noises like gunshots.
- They have an average Noise Reduction Rating of 21 dB.
Behind-the-ear hearing protection aids
- Behind-the-ear hearing protection aids are worn behind the ears like hearing aids.
- They have compression circuits that prevent users from hearing harmful impulse sounds.
- Their sound amplifiers allow users to hear soft and low sounds from several meters away.
- They have an average Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of around 29 dB.
Hearing protection ear plugs
- Hearing protection ear plugs are made of soft, disposable foam.
- They are worn directly inside the ears, contouring to the ear canals.
- They have a very efficient Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) that can effectively block out most noises.
Hearing protection molded ear plugs
- Hearing protection molded ear plugs are made of soft, durable, and reusable materials.
- They have long bands worn over the neck to keep the plugs in place.
- They come in one size that fits all.
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NRR ratings: Choose a hearing protection device with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of at least 21 dB for ample sound protection.
Adjustable headbands: For the best fit, choose hearing protection ear muffs with an adjustable headband that allows the ear muffs to be pulled down or pushed up until the desired headband length is reached.
Storage: For easy and convenient storage inside your backpack or bag, look for collapsible hearing protection ear muffs. Look for ear plugs that come with a durable case made of hard or soft plastic to protect them from dirt and damage.
Camouflage colors: For hunting purposes, choose hearing protection in camouflage colors and patterns (brown, green, black) to match the outdoor environment and your hunting apparel.
Safety information
Always clean hearing protection ear plugs before and after each use especially if they are the reusable types. Regular cleaning removes dust, dirt, or earwax that can cause ear infection and even loss of hearing.
Ear plugs are for personal use. Avoid sharing them with others unless necessary.
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