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How are earplugs rated?
Earplugs are evaluated by Noise Reduction Rating, or NRR. This describes the maximum sound level reduction provided by a hearing protection device.
How to use the noise reduction rating
- 1. Subtract 7 from the earplugs' NRR.
29 NRR (earplugs) – 7 dB = 22 dB
- 2. Divide the result by 2 to determine the real-life reduction.
22 dB ÷ 2 = 11 dB
- 3. Subtract the real-life reduction from the environmental noise level to get the protected exposure level.
90 dB (environment) – 11 dB = 79 dB
(protected exposure level)
How to use the noise reduction rating
- 1. Subtract 7 from the earplugs' NRR.
- 2. Divide the result by 2 to determine the real-life reduction.
- 3. Subtract the real-life reduction from the environmental noise level to get the protected exposure level.
Example
- 29 NRR (earplugs) – 7 dB = 22 dB
- 22 dB ÷ 2 = 11 dB
- 90 dB (environment) – 11 dB = 79 dB
(protected exposure level)
Environmental Noise Levels
Faint | 10 dB | Normal breathing |
---|---|---|
40 dB | Refrigerator, quiet office | |
Moderate | 50 dB | Paper rustling |
60 dB | Normal conversation, dishwasher | |
Loud | 75 dB | Alarm clock, vacuum cleaner |
85 dB | Conveyor, hand saw | |
Extremely Loud | 90 dB | Lawn mower, pneumatic wrench, compressor |
100 dB | Power tools, bulldozer | |
110 dB | Ambulance siren, crying baby | |
Painful | 120 dB | Sandblasting, hammer on nail |
140 dB | Jet engine, dynamite blast | |
160 dB | Firearm, fireworks | |
170 dB | Rocket liftoff |
10/13/2024 08:09:06 PM;
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