Earplug Guide
Use this guide to determine which earplugs are right for you.
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.
- 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 |
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