Hearing Protection - Preserve Your Hearing

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What is a hearing protector?

Hearing protectors are wearable devices that can lower the intensity of sound that enters your ears. Why is it important to protect your hearing? Loud sounds can damage sensitive structures in your inner ear, causing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus (ringing, roaring, or buzzing in the ears).

How effective is hearing protection?

The effectiveness of hearing protection is measured by something called a Noise Reduction Rate, or NRR (I know, I’m throwing all kinds of acronyms at you today). The higher the NRR, the quieter your world will become (temporarily).

Do ear protectors protect your hearing?

They provide no protection at all – in fact, they actually add to the level of outside noise and contribute to damaging a person’s hearing. The recommended in-ear noise level under the protector is 80dB (A). There are two approved methods for testing hearing PPE in Australia, with the results stated as Class or SLC80.

What Is Hearing Protection

1. https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/resource-library/hazardous-manual-tasks/hearing-personal-protective-equipment-ppe-the-facts
2. https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/hearing-protection
3. https://www.uvex-safety.com.au/en/knowledge/safety-standards/hearing-protection/
4. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-protectors
5. https://www.safeopedia.com/definition/572/hearing-ppe-hearing-protector
6. https://www.helpingmehear.com/hearing-loss-articles/what-level-of-hearing-protection-do-i-need/
7. https://info.savox.com/hearing-protection
8. https://tinnitus.org.au/management/hearing-protection/
9. https://www.3m.com.au/3M/en_AU/safety-centers-of-expertise-au/center-for-hearing-conservation/protect/hearing-protection-selection/

Hearing Protection Information

1. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/ears-ways-to-protect-your-hearing