If you’ve ever attended a concert or live event, you know just how loud the environment can get. One of the most common ways to protect your hearing is by using earplugs, but how much do they really help? The answer depends on a few factors, including the type of earplugs you’re using and how well they’re inserted.
Understanding Earplug Ratings
Most earplugs come with an NRR (Noise Reduction Rating), which is a measure of how much sound they can block. In theory, the higher the NRR, the more protection you get. However, there’s a catch: when companies test earplugs to assign an NRR, the earplugs are inserted by professionals in ideal conditions.
In the real world, most people aren’t getting the full noise reduction that’s advertised. For instance, if you’re using the foam roll-up earplugs or tree-tip style earplugs, you might only be getting about half of the noise reduction that’s listed on the package. So, if an earplug claims to block 20 decibels (dB) of sound, you may only be getting about 10 dB of noise reduction.
How to Measure the Sound Around You
If you’re at a concert and concerned about hearing damage, a great tool to use is a sound level meter app on your phone. You can measure how loud the environment is in real-time. For example, if the noise level peaks at 95 dB, and you’re only getting around 10 dB of reduction from your earplugs, the sound reaching your ears will be 85 dB.
Why is this number important? Well, the general rule is that you can be exposed to 85 dB for up to eight hours before it starts causing permanent hearing damage. This makes earplugs a helpful tool in preventing noise-induced hearing loss, but only if used properly.
Custom-Made Hearing Protection: A Better Option
While disposable or over-the-counter earplugs are convenient, they’re not always the most effective. This is why custom-made earplugs are often recommended, especially if you attend concerts or work in noisy environments regularly.
Custom earplugs are designed specifically for your ears, ensuring a proper fit every time. When you visit an audiologist for custom ear protection, they will take impressions of your ears and send them out to be molded. Once they arrive, your audiologist will make sure they fit correctly and show you how to use them.
The benefit of custom earplugs is that they provide consistent protection without the risk of improper insertion. Plus, they can be tailored to your specific needs, such as reducing noise while still allowing you to hear music clearly at concerts.
Protect Your Hearing at Concerts
Whether you choose foam earplugs or custom ones, the most important thing is that you’re taking steps to protect your hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, but it’s also preventable.
So, next time you head to a concert, make sure you’re prepared with the right hearing protection. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to consult your local audiologist.