Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) occurs when tiny sensory cells in our inner ear, called hair cells, are damaged by sounds that are too loud and that last too long. How near we are to the source of the noise also matters. NIHL can be permanent—but it is preventable. You can help your tween enjoy healthy hearing for a lifetime by learning about hearing protectors and when to use them.
When are hearing protectors recommended?
Hearing protectors are recommended whenever a person’s hearing is exposed to noise levels that exceed a certain level and time. Scientists have set this level in the workplace at 85 decibels for exposures longer than eight continuous hours. The louder the sound, the shorter the time before damage can occur.
In practical terms, your child won’t damage his or her hearing by temporarily cranking up the volume for a favorite song or by taking a short ride on the subway. On the other hand, your tween could potentially damage his or her hearing by listening to music at maximum volume for an extended period of time. The same is true when your tween participates in any activity that exceeds a safe noise level and listening time.
Your child should wear hearing protectors while using a lawn mower, operating many power tools, or riding a snowmobile or farm tractor. Hearing protectors may also be advisable when your tween attends certain events in stadiums, gymnasiums, amusement parks, auditoriums, and other entertainment venues. Auto races, sporting events, and music concerts of all types (e.g., symphonies and rock) can be too loud for long-term exposure without hearing protectors.
Hearing protectors are an absolute must if your tween hunts or takes part in shooting sports. The sound of a gunshot can reach the same level as a jet engine at takeoff. At this level, noise can damage your child’s hearing immediately and permanently. Make hearing protectors part of your child’s standard shooting-safety gear.
Children will often place their hands over their ears when things get too noisy. It won’t protect their hearing, but it is a good sign that hearing protectors may be needed. Have hearing protectors handy for the times when the sound is too loud.
How do hearing protectors work?
Hearing protectors work by reducing the level of sound that reaches hair cells in our inner ear. They do not block out all noise, but just make all noises sound softer.
Different hearing protectors offer different levels of protection, as shown by their Noise Reduction Rating, or NRR. The higher the NRR, the greater the protection they offer. If a hearing protector has an NRR of 22, it can reduce a potentially harmful noise by 22 decibels. So a 100-decibel noise will be reduced to a safe level of 78 decibels (100 - 22 = 78). For more information on safe and dangerous noise levels, read the Noisy Planet fact sheet How Loud Is Too Loud? How Long Is Too Long?.
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What types of hearing protectors are available?
Two types of hearing protectors are available: earplugs and earmuffs.
Earplugs are soft foam or harder plastic inserts that fit directly into the ear canal. Earplugs are cheaper than earmuffs, and come in both disposable and reusable types. Many types can be washed and used repeatedly. Earplugs also are easy to carry around in a purse or pocket, ready for use at any time. Some earplugs are available with a neck strap so that your child can keep them handy and not lose one if it falls out. Even if you buy earmuffs for you and your child, you also might want to have some spare earplugs on hand.
- Expandable foam earplugs are designed to be rolled into a thin cylinder that is inserted about halfway into the ear canal. Once inserted, the earplug reshapes itself to fill the canal snugly. The green box shows a three-step method for inserting expandable foam earplugs that was developed by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
- Premolded earplugsare made from plastic, rubber, or silicone. These earplugs have a tapered shape, similar to an ice cream cone. Earplug styles that are sold in different sizes are generally recommended for use by children, who will need a smaller size than that used by an adult. A proper-fitting earplug will seal your child’s ear without being uncomfortable. To fit a premolded earplug, have your child reach over his or her head and pull up on one ear. Your child should use the other hand to insert the plug with a gentle rocking motion until it feels tight in the ear canal.
Earmuffs look like wireless headphones. The part that fits over the ear is often filled with fluid, foam, or both to make sure that the earmuff fits comfortably and closely. Earmuffs cost more than earplugs, but they are easier than earplugs for young children to put on correctly. You also won’t have to worry about the earmuffs sliding out. However, children who wear glasses may find earmuffs uncomfortable. The earmuffs also may not seal properly over glasses.
Many manufacturers now make earplugs and earmuffs in sizes to fit children. To find a list of manufacturers on the Internet, type "hearing protectors for children" into your computer’s search engine. Your local drug store and hardware store also may carry some protectors. Check to make sure that the earplugs are not too large for your child’s ears or that the earmuffs are not too loose for your child's head.
To get the best protection from your soft foam earplugs, remember to roll, pull, and hold when putting them in. Use clean hands to keep from getting dirt and germs into your ears!
Roll the earplug up into a small, thin "snake" with your fingers. You can use one or both hands.
Pull the top of your ear up and back with your opposite hand to straighten out your ear canal. The rolled-up earplug should slide right in.
Hold the earplug in with your finger. Count to 20 or 30 out loud while waiting for the plug to expand and fill the ear canal. Your voice will sound muffled when the plug has made a good seal.
Check the fit when you’re all done. Most of the foam body of the earplug should be within the ear canal. Try cupping your hands tightly over your ears. If sounds are much more muffled with your hands in place, the earplug may not be sealing properly. Take the earplug out and try again.
Text Credit: NIOSH
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) sponsors It’s a Noisy Planet. Protect Their Hearing. This national public education campaign is designed to increase awareness among parents of children ages 8 to 12 (tweens) about the causes and prevention of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). With this information, parents and other adults can encourage children to adopt healthy hearing habits before and during the time that they develop listening, leisure, and working habits. To find out more about how to protect your hearing and that of your family, visit the Noisy Planet Web site.
For more information about your hearing and hearing loss, contact:
NIDCD Information Clearinghouse
1 Communication Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20892-3456
Voice: (800) 241-1044
TTY: (800) 241-1055
Fax: (301) 770-8977
E-mail: NPInfo@nidcd.nih.gov
NIH Publication No. 09-6431D
October 2009
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