Home is where the noise is

Some of the most familiar sounds of the summer and autumn months – sporting events such as the World Cup which has attracted millions of spectators and viewers, (117dB), rock concerts (120dB), motorcycles (105dB), chainsaws (118dB), lawnmowers (94dB) and power tools (93dB) – can generate even more noise than the workplace, where an array of regulations and hearing protection solutions exist to help workers avoid noise-induced hearing loss.

The danger is that when we’re at home, we don’t often think about noise as being hazardous or that we’re putting ourselves at risk of permanent hearing damage. The reality is that due to the noise levels exposed to, we can be doing just that. Just like at work, hearing threats need to be considered but with the right information and protection we can keep our hearing safe whilst at home.

With hearing damage possible from noise in excess of 85dB and the EU Directive 2003/10/EC Noise setting workplace noise exposure limits at 87dB, regular, repeated or prolonged exposure to the common noises found outside the workplace such as those highlighted above can create problems. 

Any noises above 160 dB, such as fireworks, are capable of causing immediate physical damage to hearing, whilst listening to music through earphones, or operating a power lawn mower or a chainsaw are in excess of the 85dB level. Whilst hearing protection is commonly seen as a workplace issue, the reality is that prolonged exposure to loud noises at home or through social activities can have a damaging impact on hearing. It’s important to remember that noise induced hearing loss is permanent and irreversible, yet easily preventable.

So what is important when considering hearing protection products? There are many types and styles of hearing protection. Earplugs are the most common and include disposable foam in various sizes and materials along with reusable moulded earplugs. Sizing is important for a good fit which leads to both effectiveness and comfort. 

Earmuffs are a great choice for loud noise exposures for home-improvement projects because of their ease of use. They can be quickly donned for a short, sharp noise exposure and then kept handy around the neck or on a belt for easy access for further noise exposure. 

It’s important to know that earmuffs are rated for their ability to block noise with a number called the Single Number Rating (SNR). Higher numbers indicate greater noise-blocking potential, if worn properly. In our experience at Honeywell, we have found that one of the most important features in earmuff selection is comfort – which can be extremely difficult to judge when looking at a package or selecting from a computer screen. 

Although a comfortable earmuff often carries a higher price tag, these products from established manufacturers are well worth the added cost – and will actually increase the likelihood the earmuff will be repeatedly used. 

In terms of the latest developments in hearing protection, advances continue apace, thanks largely to ever-progressing technology. Even as hearing protection has improved in terms of weight, comfort, fit and protection, we are seeing the introduction of more and more features. Newer electronic earmuffs can offer built-in AM/FM radio or an option to plug into your own personal listening device or even through Bluetooth connectivity. Others provide impact noise protection and integrated volume management – popular among shooting sports enthusiasts. The result is a fusion of personal protection from hazardous noise with a variety of entertainment options.

When it comes to a golden rule of hearing protection the most critical aspect is simply to wear it! Many times, people exposed to hazardous noise during home improvement projects dismiss the need for hearing protection, but hazardous noise exposures are cumulative, such that every exposure – even for a few seconds when using a chainsaw, or the few minutes when pushing a power lawnmower – contributes to a potential hearing loss. In the workplace, it’s often the person who ‘cheats’ on the use of hearing protection during intermittent noise exposure who suffers the loss, rather than the workers in continuous high levels of noise who use protection consistently because they recognise and understand the constant threat it poses.