This document discusses the importance of ear protection from harmful noise. It notes that 30 million Americans are exposed to harmful noise at work and many more through recreational activities like concerts or firearms use. Ten million Americans have noise-induced hearing loss from exposure. The document provides decibel levels for common sounds and exposure limits, noting that sustained exposure over 90dB can cause damage. It recommends using earplugs rated at least 20dB for protection and choosing venues with more distance from noise sources to allow for longer safe exposure. Daily noise exposure should be avoided and music in headphones does not constitute protection.

1. Safety Moment – Ear Protection
 It is estimated that as many as 30 million Americans are exposed to
potentially harmful sounds at work.
 Even outside of work, many people participate in recreational
activities that can produce harmful noise (musical concerts, use of
power tools, etc.).
 Sixty million Americans own firearms, and many people do not use
appropriate hearing protection devices.
 Of the roughly 40 million Americans suffering from hearing loss, 10
million can be attributed to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
 NIHL can be caused by a one-time exposure to loud sound as well as
by repeated exposure to sounds at various loudness levels over an
extended period of time.
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2. Decibels and Noise Exposure Limits
 90-95 db – sustained exposure
may result in hearing loss
 115 db – OSHA Daily
permissible noise level
exposure is 15 mins or less
 125 db – pain begins
 140 db – even short term
exposure can cause permanent
damage – loudest recommend
exposure WITH hearing
protection
 180 db – Death of hearing
tissue
Noise Decibels Exposure
Office noise 50 dB
Aircraft cabin 80 dB*
Snoring 87 dB
Lawnmower 90 dB* 8 hrs.
Headphones 94 dB 4 hrs.
Motorcycle 100 dB* 2 hrs.
Rock Concert 110 dB* 30 min
Shotgun 160 dB
Airbag 170 dB
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* A difference of 10 db feels twice as loud

3. Ear Protection - Precautions
 Choose outdoor concert venues when possible – it’s not just decibel
level but distance to the source that effects how long one can be
exposed to noise without damage
 Wear disposable foam earplugs rated at least 20 dB (30 is better!) –
this is a noise reduction level, so 110 minus 20 equals 90 dB which
buys you 8 hours of exposure
 Noise damage is cumulative – daily exposure (say from headphones
at 5/10 volume for more than 4 hours a day) should be avoided
 Music in headphones is NOT noise protection – see the first bullet
point on this slide – headphones are very close to the source!
 Invest in noise cancellation headphones so you can listen to music at
a lower volume while challenging competing office noise –
remember that at just 60 dB (conversation level), your music will feel
twice as loud as the office noise around you
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