Recreational and Occupational Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs)
We live in a very noisy world. From traffic to restaurants, our ears are constantly bombarded with sound. Once the sound reaches a certain level, it can actually damage our hearing. Educating and providing protection to prevent hearing loss is as important a part of our hearing services at Total Hearing Care as treating existing hearing loss.
Some occupations that might benefit from custom protection include:
- aviatiors
- dentists
- physicians
- broadcasters
- shooters
- waiters/waitresses
- band teachers
- motor sports' enthusiasts
|
- DJs
- musicians
- construction workers
- hunters
- flight attendants
- carpenters
- bartenders
- dental assistants
|
Earplugs are recommended for sounds 85 dB and above.
- 85-90 dB - Prolonged exposure to any noise above 85-90 decibels can cause gradual hearing loss
- 100 dB - no more than 15 minutes unprotected exposure recommended
- 110 dB - Regular exposure of more than 1 minute risks permanent hearing loss
| Decibels (dB) |
Sounds |
| 0-25 |
Threshhold for Normal Hearing |
| 20 |
Ticking watch |
| 30 |
Quiet whisper |
| 40 |
Refrigerator hum, leaves |
| 50 |
Rainfall |
| 60 |
Normal conversation, dishwasher |
| 70 |
Normal street noise |
| 80 |
Police whistle, noisy restaurant |
| 85 |
Average factory |
| 95 |
MRI |
| 100 |
Blow dryer, subway train |
| 105 |
Power mower, chainsaw |
| 120 |
Rock concert, fireworks display |
| 130 |
Jet engine plane(100 ft. away) |
| 140 |
Shotgun blast, air bag deploying |
