Whether you live in a large city, mid-sized town, or small village, at some point too much noise is an issue. In a sprawling metropolis with cars and construction and sirens, the noise pollution is obvious, but did you know that you can also experience noise pollution in the country? No matter where you’re living, working, or playing, it’s important to protect your ears from noise pollution. To learn more about noise pollution, read on for potential hazards and essential safety products.
Types of Ear Protection
There are three main types of hearing protection, but covering your ears with your hands isn’t one of them. If you’re looking for proper protection, earplugs, earmuffs, and ear bands are the ideal solution.
- Earplugs are inserted into your ear to block out noise. They are pliable and expand to fill the outer part of the ear canal.
- Earmuffs are hearing protection headphones that cover your ear from the outside.
- Ear Bands are earplugs that are held together on a band. The plugs are inserted into the ear, but the band is worn much like a headband and connects the right and left earplugs.
City Slicker
In cities, noise is a constant. Cars run day and night—honking loudly outside your door. Ambulances, firetrucks, and police cars blare sirens. Jackhammering and heavy building equipment clanging are ongoing sounds in most cities. Depending on your neighborhood or building, you may also experience gunshots, people street racing, or loud music.
Mid-Size Towns
Towns have many of the same noises as the cities, though, usually, on a smaller scale. Just because taxi cabs aren’t honking at 2 a.m., though, there’s still plenty of noise from other sources. There are car alarms that go off at the worst time, as well as trains chugging by.
Deep in the Countryside
Whether you live on a farm or just far out in the country, you probably experience a different aspect of noise pollution. Often, you may be just under the flight path of an airport, or near the interstate where tractor-trailers drive by frequently. You might also be living near factories or farms with loud machinery or animals.
Activities that Need Noise Protection
You don’t have to live near noise pollution to need hearing protection. For certain hobbies and jobs it is essential that you have access to hearing protection. Whether you’re out hunting with shotguns, riding a motorcycle on a regular basis, or performing on stage with your band, you’ll need to keep your ears protected from sounds above a certain decibel level.
Many jobs also require you to wear ear protection. Working in an assembly factory, at a toll booth, or as an airplane mechanic means you’re exposed to high levels of noise every day. Without taking care of your ears, you may compromise your eardrums and your hearing.
Take a look at some common jobs that may require you to wear ear protection on a daily basis.
- Working in a jail or school: Even if the noise isn’t jet-engine-level, exposure to constant sounds can be damaging to your hearing. The noise can be even more damaging if you’re in a confined space, like a kindergarten classroom.
- Working in construction: Whether you’re renovating a garage or building a skyscraper—drills, staple guns, and saws are loud. Even if you’re demolishing—and not building—your ears need protection from the racket.
- Working in a nightclub: Night clubs are among the noisiest places there are. Loud, thumping music, shouting guests, and yelling bartenders are everywhere. Whether you’re the busser or the bouncer, having some ear protection provides a buffer between you and the racket.
The Right Protection
Once you’ve matched your lifestyle with your environment and determined that you need protection from noise pollution, you now need to consider how much you need. With different levels of protection available, you may find that you only need minor noise blocks.
Make sure to do your research to determine the noise level in your area and examine the ear protection you’re shopping for to ensure that it can meet the demand of your environment. Looking for a one-stop retailer, like Moldex, can help you search through several different styles and levels of ear protection without the hassle of going to the store.
A Personal Choice
Choosing ear protection is a very personal choice. Since there are several ear protection styles suitable for different levels of noise, you can find the one most comfortable for you.
If you’re not inclined to stick a plug in your ear canal, shop around for a cool pair of earmuffs that will do the trick. If it’s not necessary for you to wear hearing protection all the time, you may be looking for ear bands you can easily put on and take off throughout the day. Shop around and do some research to find the right level of protection for you.