About 40 million people in the U.S. have permanent hearing damage from exposure to loud noise.1 Hearing protection devices help safeguard your ears against the dangers of loud sounds. However, to find the best option for your needs, it’s important to understand noise reduction ratings (NRR).
In this guide, we explain what a noise reduction rating is, why it matters, and how you can use it to find the best hearing protection devices for your needs.
Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR) Explained
A hearing protection device (HPD) is a wearable accessory like earplugs or earmuffs that physically blocks sound waves from reaching the inner ear. All HPDs are given a noise reduction rating (NRR) that represents the maximum number of decibels (dB) of noise they block.
There are many different types of HPDs available with varying noise-reduction ratings:
| Hearing Protection Device | Average NRR (dB) |
|---|---|
| Disposable Earplugs | 10-30 |
| Reusable Earplugs | 15-25 |
| Custom-Molded Earplugs | 25-33 |
| Earmuffs | 20-30 |
| Electronic Earmuffs | 25-30 |
This number is helpful for determining which HPDs are suitable for different jobs, scenarios, and needs.
What is a Good Noise Reduction Rating?
A good noise reduction rating refers to the effectiveness of hearing protection devices, such as earplugs or earmuffs, in reducing exposure to loud sounds. For most general noise protection needs, an NRR of 20 dB to 30 dB is considered good. However, the actual level of protection achieved often depends on a number of factors.
Hearing protection devices are lab-tested to determine NRR—but a controlled lab setting isn’t always as loud as the real world. While the NRR for your HPD is a great starting point, OSHA recommends using the method below.
How to Calculate Noise Exposure While Wearing Hearing Protection
This calculation can provide a better real-world understanding of how much noise exposure you experience when wearing a hearing protection device:
| How to calculate noise exposure while wearing a hearing protection device: | Example: |
|---|---|
| 1. Determine the decibel (dB) level of noise exposure without protection | Unprotected noise exposure = 90 dB |
| 2. Take the NRR of your hearing protection device and subtract seven | NRR = 25 dB – 7 dB = 18 dB |
| 3. Divide that result by two | 18 ÷ 2 = 9 dB |
| 4. Subtract the estimated noise exposure without hearing protection from this result | 90 dB – 9 dB = 81 dB |
| 5. This is your estimated noise exposure while wearing your hearing protection device | 81 dB |
OSHA and Hearing Protection at Work
About 22 million people in the U.S. are exposed to dangerous noise levels at work.2 This is why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict mandates to ensure proper hearing protection in the workplace.
OSHA Hearing Protection Standards
OSHA requires employers to implement a hearing conservation program if employees are exposed to 85 dB or more over an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA).3 These programs include strategies like:
- Using quieter equipment or installing sound barriers to lower noise exposure
- Limiting time spent in noisy areas, rotating workers, or scheduling loud tasks when fewer workers are present
- Providing hearing protection devices and noise safety training for all employees
- Wearing double hearing protection if noise exceeds 100 dB over an 8-hour TWA
Certain industries like construction may have additional regulations that are unique to their specific work environments.
How to Properly Use Noise Protection Devices
Hearing protection devices are only effective when used properly. Below are some ways to maximize the effectiveness of your HPDs for maximum hearing protection.
Choose the Right NRR for Your Environment
The highest NRR isn’t always the best choice for every situation. Factors like comfort, safety, and functionality are also important.
For example, custom earplugs are good for activities where mobility and situational awareness are important, like protecting your hearing while target shooting. Meanwhile, construction workers often require double hearing protection, making a combination of earplugs and earmuffs the ideal solution.
Wear Hearing Protection Correctly
Hearing protection only works if you wear it correctly. Even the highest NRR won’t help if your earplugs aren’t fully inserted or your earmuffs don’t cover your ears properly.
To get the most hearing protection possible, follow all usage guidelines for your specific HPDs and make sure to keep them clean to ensure optimal comfort and fit.
Monitor Your Hearing
Even if your HPDs have high noise reduction ratings, it’s important to get regular hearing tests to monitor your hearing over time. This is especially critical if you work in a noisy environment with a high risk for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
By scheduling regular appointments with a hearing care specialist, you can catch any changes early on and implement strategies to preserve your hearing.
Find the Best Hearing Protection Solutions for Your Needs at Audibel
Loud sounds can be detrimental to your hearing, but with the right protection and strategies, you can safeguard your hearing for years to come.
Ready to take the next step toward better hearing? The specialists at Audibel are here to help you find the best hearing solutions for your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Don’t wait until it’s too late—find an Audibel clinic near you today.
References
- Noise-Induced hearing loss. (2022, March 16). NIDCD. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/noise-induced-hearing-loss
- About occupational hearing loss. (2024b, January 18). Noise and Hearing Loss. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noise/about/
- Occupational Noise Exposure. (n.d.). OSHA. https://www.osha.gov/noise
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