Approximately 33 million U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous noise at work.
To minimize occupational noise-induced hearing loss, the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that workers should not be exposed to noise that averages to 85 decibels (dBA) for 8 hours.
Anything over 85 dB for extended periods can cause permanent hearing loss. Hearing protection is not just for the workplace and should be use when doing any activity that leads to exposure of noise at or above 85 dB.
Below are a few average decibels readings of common sounds and activities - from listed from faint to severe:
20 dB – Leaves rustling
30 dB – Whisper
40 dB – Library
50 dB – Moderate rainfall
60 dB – Normal conversations, dishwashers
70 dB – Traffic, vacuums
80 dB – Alarm clocks
90 dB – Lawnmowers, tractors, power tools, blenders, Hair dryers
100 dB – Motorcycles, Snowmobiles, headphones at max volume, table saw, woodworking equipment
110 dB – Concerts, car horns, sporting events, chainsaw, factory machinery
120 dB – Jet planes (during take-off), thunderclap
130 dB – Jackhammers, heavy machinery, ambulances
140 dB+ – Fireworks, gunshots, explosions
Hearing Damage Prevention:
The best way to protect yourself is to eliminate the exposure. That can be achieved by removing yourself from the area the noise is in or eliminating the excessive noise altogether.
The second-best choice in protection from noise exposure is engineering controls.Sound barriers, enclosures, and noise dampening systems are examples of engineering controls that will bring
down the level of noise in an area.
Administrative controls such as training on using hearing protection, job rotation, breaks, and routine maintenance programs of equipment are some ways that protect workers from being exposed to hazardous noise.
PPE is the last line of defense. It
is important to know the levels of noise that remain after applying the other techniques mentioned above. For noises between 85 decibels and 100 decibels on an 8 hour TWA, ear plugs will be enough to protect you if worn correctly. If over 100 decibels double hearing protection is needed, an example is earplugs and earmuffs.
Be prepared; have sealed disposable earplugs in your vehicle, boat, and firearm case, etc.
