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Nagish Acquires Sign.mt to Drive Research in AI and Sign Language. Read the announcement
Hearing Loss
March 15, 2024
5 Min

How To Choose the Right Hearing Protection

Hearing protection is not a one-size-fits-all solution.Read this article to help you decide what is the best option for you!

Author:
Nicole Brener
How To Choose the Right Hearing Protection
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Hearing protection is not a one-size-fits-all solution. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. But considering how important it is to protect our hearing and take preventive measures, we've made it easy to help you navigate the world of hearing protection and make an informed decision.

What to Consider When Selecting Hearing Protection

When selecting hearing protection, there are several essential factors to consider:

Comfort is #1

Finding hearing protection that fits comfortably and properly will determine if you’ll actually wear the protective device. If your earplugs or earmuffs are uncomfortable, you're less likely to wear them consistently. Look for options made from soft, hypoallergenic materials that fit securely without causing discomfort.

Additionally, if you’re looking for a discrete design, new innovative designs come in minimal and clear presentations that make it appear as if you’re not wearing hearing protection.

Proper Fit 

A proper fit ensures optimal protection. For earplugs, this means inserting them correctly into the ear canal to create a seal. Earmuffs should fit snugly over the ears without gaps. 

When selecting earplugs, consider anticipating the scenarios in which you’ll use them. If you’re likely to be active, such as jumping or dancing, the earplugs must remain securely in place at all times.

Noise Reduction Ratings

Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR) is a standard measurement used to indicate the effectiveness of hearing protection devices in reducing noise exposure in decibels (dB). The type of environment you’re exposed to influences the level of protection you need. High-noise environments, such as construction sites or factories, require hearing protection with a higher Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) to block out sound effectively.

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Consider dB Levels 

Understanding decibel (dB) levels is essential for selecting appropriate hearing protection. The higher the dB level, the louder the sound. Exposure to sounds above 85 dB can cause hearing damage over time. Look for hearing protection with a sufficient dB reduction to bring noise levels to safer levels.

Evaluate the Nature of Noise 

Decibel levels are great indicators for assessing the noise level in your environment and can can help determine the strength of hearing protection required. However, the nature of the noise is also essential. For example, earmuffs might be a better choice if noise is intermittent. This is because constantly inserting and removing earplugs can be both ineffective and inconvenient, particularly when noise levels fluctuate.

Types of Hearing Protection

Factory Worker in Blue Hard Hat Preparing To Use Foamy Plug.
Factory Worker in Blue Hard Hat Preparing To Use Foamy Plug.

There are three main styles of hearing protection:

Earplugs: Fit directly into the ear canal and come in disposable foam, reusable silicone, and custom-molded varieties.

  • Expandable foam plugs: These earplugs can be shaped to fit every person's ear canal. They are comfortable, affordable, and easy to fit.
  • Pre-molded, reusable plugs: These type of earplugs are usually made of silicone, plastic, or rubber and are relatively inexpensive. They come in different sizes and are mostly washable and reusable. 
  • Canal caps: Canal caps have flexible tips that act as caps, which plug the ear canal, closing the ear opening. For this reason, they are the least protective compared to other types of earplugs or earmuffs. 

Earmuffs: Cover the entire ear and are typically adjustable for a comfortable fit. They provide consistent protection, are one size fits most, and are easy to put on and take off.

Combination: Some hearing protection options combine earplugs and earmuffs for maximum protection.

The Role of Hearing Protection in Preventing Occupational Hearing Loss

Occupational hearing loss is a significant concern in noisy work environments. Adhering to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and properly fitting hearing protection can help prevent hearing loss and preserve your long-term hearing health. Invest in high-quality hearing protection to protect your ears on the job.

Adhering to OSHA Standards for Hearing Safety

Prolonged exposure to excessive noise, especially above safe levels, can lead to potential hearing loss. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide hearing protectors to all workers exposed to 8-hour TWA noise levels of 85 dB or above and specifies measures to reduce exposure to excessive noises. 

For workplace safety, it's essential to adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for hearing protection. From providing proper hearing protection devices such as earplugs and earmuffs to creating safe and quiet spaces away from excessive noise where employees can go as needed to rest their ears.

Selecting the Right Hearing Protection for Various Work Environments

Construction Worker Wearing Sunglasses and Noise Cancelling Earmuffs.
Construction Worker Wearing Sunglasses and Noise Cancelling Earmuffs.

Different work environments require different levels of hearing protection. Various industries, such as construction sites, manufacturing plants, airports, and music venues, exhibit environments characterized by high decibel levels. 

Also, professions such as musicians, concert crew members, and nightclub staff are frequently exposed to high sound volumes, potentially causing irreversible damage to their hearing over time. Even recreational activities like hunting or motorsports can subject individuals to dangerous noise levels, warranting the use of appropriate hearing protection.

Evaluate the noise levels in your workplace and choose hearing protection that provides adequate noise reduction. Remember to consider factors such as comfort, fit, and durability.

Maintenance, Care, and Lifespan of Hearing Protection Devices

Proper maintenance and care are essential for prolonging the lifespan of your hearing protection devices. Here are some tips to extend the lifespan of your device:

  • Replace disposable earplugs regularly
  • Inspect earmuffs for signs of wear and tear
  • Keep your hearing protection devices clean by wiping them down with a mild soap and water solution
  • Store your hearing protection devices in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated area when not in use.

In conclusion, choosing the right hearing protection involves considering various factors, from comfort and fit to noise reduction ratings and workplace regulations. By understanding your needs and selecting appropriate hearing protection, you can safeguard your ears and preserve your hearing health for years to come.

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Nicole Brener

Copywriter based in Miami, FL. Leads copywriting workshops and mentors women entrepreneurs at the Idea Center of Miami Dade College.

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Nagish Acquires Sign.mt to Drive Research in AI and Sign Language. 
‍Read the announcement

How To Choose the Right Hearing Protection

Key Findings

  • Workplace Impact: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals report that communication barriers hinder career mobility.
  • Healthcare Challenges: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals experience communication barriers in healthcare settings, contributing to delays in treatment.
  • Concerns About Emergency Communications: 20% of Deaf and 24.3% Hard-of-Hearing users also expressed serious concerns that communication barriers would prohibit them from contacting healthcare personnel in an emergency situation.
  • Independence Boost: Assistive technology nearly doubled rates of independence, with 60% of Deaf users and 63% of Hard-of-Hearing users reporting increased autonomy.
  • Emotional Strain: 55% of Deaf users and 83% of Hard-of-Hearing users reported emotional distress due to communication frustrations.
  • Social and Professional Opportunities: 46% of Deaf and 32.9% of Hard-of-Hearing users saw improved social and career prospects thanks to assistive technologies.

Empowering the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Through Technology: A New Era of Communication and Independence

At Nagish, we’ve seen firsthand just how much communication shapes daily life for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities. Our recent survey highlights the significant barriers they face in the workplace, healthcare settings, and in their social lives. But it also sheds light on a powerful solution: assistive technology. The results of this survey reinforce our commitment to empowering these communities and remind us why our mission matters: with access to the right tools, independence grows, opportunities expand, and well-being improves.

We collected data through a comprehensive survey involving over 300 individuals who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing and currently use hearing assistive technology. The survey included 179 Deaf and 140 Hard-of-Hearing participants, with data collected in an inclusive and accessible manner to ensure that everyone could participate and share their experiences without barriers.Communication Barriers in the Workplace: Limiting Career Mobility

Communication challenges in the workplace remain one of the most significant hurdles for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals, preventing them from fully realizing their career potential. Assistive technology offers a solution by removing these barriers and expanding access to a broader range of job opportunities and career growth.

Download the PDF Report

A majority of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing participants reported that communication barriers affected their career decisions, making it harder to pursue job opportunities or advance in their careers.

Deaf Participants

Hard-of-Hearing participants

65% of Deaf users rely on assistance from hearing individuals at least once a week to communicate effectively, which can limit their ability to fully engage in dynamic work environments.

Communication Barriers in Healthcare: A Matter of Public Safety
Communication challenges are not just a workplace issue — they extend into healthcare settings, where they can directly impact individuals’ health outcomes. Accessible communication tools are essential for ensuring that Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can receive timely and accurate medical care, especially in emergency situations

Many Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users face communication barriers in healthcare settings, which can lead to missed appointments, misunderstandings about medical treatments, and delayed care.

Deaf users:

62%

Hard of Hearing users:

66%

Some Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users have concerns about reaching healthcare professionals in emergencies, highlighting serious public safety risks.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Empowering Independence Through Assistive Technology
One of the most encouraging findings from our survey is just how much independence is boosted with assistive technology. This improvement in independence is not just about doing things on their own; it’s about having the confidence and ability to engage fully in both professional and personal settings.

Assistive technology has significantly increased the independence of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users in managing daily tasks, showing clear improvements after adoption.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Expanding Social and Professional Opportunities
Beyond independence, assistive technology creates connection.By removing communication barriers that keep people from joining in socially or professionallyassistive technology allows users to engage more deeply in social activities and pursue career opportunities that were previously out of reach.

Assistive technology has helped Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users expand their social networks and professional opportunities, enabling new connections and career growth.

Emotional and Psychological Impact: The Hidden Toll of Communication Barriers
People often overlook the emotional and psychological toll of communication , but they can have a profound impact on the mental well-being of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. Assistive technology can help alleviate this emotional strain, empowering users to communicate more effectively and reducing the anxiety associated with relying on others for basic communication.

A significant number of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users experience frustration and anxiety when communicating with family and friends, leading to isolation and stress.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Why This Matters: A Call for Widespread Adoption of Assistive Technologies
The findings from our survey are clear: communication barriers continue to limit the lives of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals in many areas, from the workplace to healthcare to their social lives. What’s also clear to us is that the question isn’t whether assistive technology helps—it’s how quickly we can make this powerful solution universally available.. By making these tools more accessible, we can open up new opportunities for individuals to thrive in their careers, maintain better health, and lead more independent lives.
At Nagish, we are committed to advocating for the integration of assistive technologies in all aspects of life. Whether it’s in healthcare, the workplace, or social settings, these technologies have the potential to create a more inclusive society where Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can live fully empowered lives. 
Our hope is that these findings inspire not just awareness, but action. We hope this survey creates awareness and action in promoting accessibility and inclusion for these communities. Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their hearing abilities, has equal access to opportunities and services.