Over 30 million workers experience elevated noise levels each day making hearing loss one of the most common ailments in the United States.

In order to address this problem you must first define the noise, measure the decibel (dBSPL) level of the noise and then eliminate or limit the exposure time on the job.

Noise levels are measured in decibels, the louder the noise the higher the decibel level. The decibel system is an exponential scale which means that an increase of 10 decibels is an increase of 10 times the noise level. The decibel range runs from 0 to 140 dB. A whisper can be 40 dB where as the music in a bar or restaurant can be as high as 90-110 dB.

Workplace noise levels must be addressed and monitored when they reach and exceed 90dB. The higher the decibel level, the less time a worker should be exposed.

OSHA exposure levels and times;

TABLE G-16 - PERMISSIBLE NOISE EXPOSURES (1)

Hours exposed                                                decibel level

8                                                          90

6                                                          92

4                                                          95

3                                                          97

2                                                          100

1 ½                                                      102

1                                                          105

½  (30 min.)                                        110

¼  (15 min.)                                        115

Hearing protection devices:

In today’s marketplace there are many devices to choose from.

Expandable foam ear plugs are the most common. These are made of a formable soft material that when rolled and placed in the ear canal will expand filling the canal. These are disposable and a cost effective option.

Reusable pre-molded plugs are made from soft plastic, silicone or rubber. These are washable and also cost effective. These are preferred in dusty or dirty environments when rolling the expandable plugs will soil them contaminating the ear canal.

Noise muffs or earmuffs provide better protection than earplugs because they block the noise before it enters the ear canal. These are good for exposure to loud noises experienced on occasion throughout the day and when work conditions do not allow the use of earplugs.  

Ear canal caps are a combination of both ear muffs and ear plugs, the headphone like design offers the convenience of wearing them over the head, behind the neck or under the chin and they can be removed and worn around the neck until needed.

For more information please call 866-362-2691 or e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit our website at www.myfirstaidcompany.com