Many people are recognizing the importance of protecting their employees from overly loud noise exposure. If you work in an industry with noisy equipment and heavy machinery, you may have heard about noise reduction rating (NRR). It’s great to learn about because being knowledgeable about proper hearing protection is part of being a well-rounded manager, business owner, or admin member. In this blog, we’ll go over some of the basic concepts of NRR and why it’s important.
NRR & Hearing ProtectionÂ
The NRR, also sometimes referred to as the “hearing protection rating,” is a way to determine and evaluate the effectiveness of noise protection equipment for certain work environments. The value ranges from 0-30, and the higher the number, the better it can reduce noise. It measures how well it reduces noise in decibels which is the standard unit of measurement for describing how powerful a sound is.
The level of noise exposure is equal to the total noise level minus the hearing protection rating. So, when exposed to 100 dB while wearing 30db hearing protections, your only hear around 70 dB (which is equivalent to the sound of your dishwasher). The rating indicated the device’s functionality and ability to protect you in noisy environments. It’s estimated based on what is achieved by 98% of the population when the protection is appropriately fit. Keep in mind the number will likely change if you’re wearing protective gear that doesn’t properly fit.
What Happens Without Hearing Protection?
Being exposed to loud environments without any hearing protection can cause permanent hearing damage. When working with loud machinery or equipment, it’s critical to have proper hearing protection. If you have any questions on which products your business needs, our knowledgeable team can always help! We’re dedicated to keeping your employees safe and sound.
Extreme Safety
Whether you work in manufacturing, construction, or any loud workplace environment, hearing protection is a necessity. Learning about the noise reduction rating or protective equipment will help you may an informed decision when buying the right products for your workplace. If you’d like to learn more about workplace safety or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us! You can give us a call at (310) 856-0166 or click here to contact us on our website.
