Why Is Hearing Protection Important?

The Simple Answer

Why Is Hearing Protection Important?  Well, hearing damage is irreversible.

The Not-So-Simple Answer by OSHA on Why Is Hearing Protection Important?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) highlights that exposure to high noise levels can result in permanent hearing loss, which cannot be corrected through surgery or hearing aids. Even short-term exposure to loud noise may temporarily affect hearing, causing a sensation of "stuffed up" ears or ringing (tinnitus). These temporary effects may subside within minutes or hours after leaving the noisy environment. However, repeated exposure to loud noise increases the risk of developing permanent tinnitus and hearing loss.

According to OSHA Noise exposure is measured in units of sound pressure levels called decibels, using A-weighted sound levels (dBA). When workplace noise exposure is excessive, several methods can be implemented to control and reduce workers' exposure.

OSHA also highlights that excessive noise can lead to physical and psychological stress, reduced productivity, difficulty in communication and concentration, and a heightened risk of accidents and injuries due to the inability to hear warning signals. If that wasn't bad enough, noise-induced hearing loss can significantly impact your ability to hear high-frequency sounds, comprehend speech, and effectively communicate, severely affecting your overall quality of life.

We're not here to discuss general workplace ear safety unless you're a service member (e.g., Soldier, Marine, Airman, etc.), law enforcement officer, security personnel, contractor, or similar professional. Hearing protection is vital in these roles.

The Risks of Not Using Hearing Protection

Failing to use hearing protection significantly increases the likelihood of exposing your ears to excessive noise, primarily affecting the sensory hair cells in the inner ear of the cochlea. Let's break down the potentially irreversible damage:

Irreversible Damage

1. Destruction of Hair Cells in the Cochlear - Sensory hair cells in humans do not regenerate. Once damaged or destroyed by prolonged exposure to loud noise, the ability to perceive specific sound frequencies is permanently lost.
2. Nerve Damage - Excessive noise can damage the auditory nerve fibers that transmit signals from the cochlea to the brain. This leads to permanent hearing loss and difficulty understanding speech, even in quiet environments.
3. Permanent Tinnitus - Damage to hair cells or nerves may result in chronic ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears (tinnitus) that do not go away.

That said, it's 2024. It's your body and your choice—do as you see fit. However, we strongly recommend hearing protection, especially during live-fire training or exercises. Even if you don't care about preserving your long-term hearing, the immediate consequences could render you unable to participate effectively in live-fire operations. Without proper hearing, you won't be able to communicate with your team or respond to commands, compromising your usefulness in critical scenarios and impacting your team's success rate.

How Does Hearing Protection Work?

Hearing protection devices (HPDs) such as earplugs, earmuffs, or custom-molded devices reduce the intensity of sound waves reaching your ears. They work by creating a physical barrier that dampens sound energy. This is crucial in environments with loud noises, as excessive sound levels can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear.

The effectiveness of hearing protection is typically measured by its Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), a standard established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the U.S.

What Is NRR (Noise Reduction Rating)?

The NRR is a numerical value that indicates the level of noise reduction a hearing protection device can provide when properly worn. It is measured in decibels (dB) and represents the noise reduction expected in a controlled laboratory environment. Higher NRR values indicate more significant noise reduction.

Example of NRR:

Let's say you're at a shooting range where the noise level from a gunshot reaches 160 dB, and you're wearing earplugs with an NRR of 25 dB. Theoretically, wearing earplugs with an NRR of 25 dB reduces your noise exposure from 160 dB to 135 dB. There are calculations for real-world noise exposure, but we won't delve into that here.

Tactical Headsets Comparison and NRR

The NRR for popular tactical headsets are as follows:

• 3M Peltor Comtac V: 23 dB NRR
• Opsmen Earmor M Plus Series M31 and M32: 22 dB NRR
• Opsmen Earmor M33: 23 dB NRR
• Walkers Razor Slim Electronic: 23 dB NRR
• Ops-Core AMP NFMI Enabled Electronic Earmuffs: 22 dB NRR

These are common NRR values for these types of headsets. However, if we calculate the noise exposure when using an M4 rifle, which produces approximately 164 dB when measured one meter to the left of the muzzle, even with a headset providing 23 dB NRR, the noise level would be:

164 dB (M4 gunshot noise) − 23 dB (NRR) = 141 dB

This is still well above the danger zone, as noise levels above 85 dB can cause hearing damage. This begs the question of why Comtacs and Ops-Core AMP are so expensive. If you want to follow best practices, wearing dual hearing protection or using a suppressor is ideal, as lowering the dB is crucial.

Our Recommendation

While this article is not intended to compare and contrast headsets, we particularly recommend the Opsmen Earmor M32 Plus series for those looking for reliable hearing protection and needing to connect using NATO (MIL-STD) PTT systems—i.e., military, law enforcement, or contractors who aren't issued Comtacs or don't have around a thousand dollars to spend.

Not only will you look cooler than wearing traditional earplugs, but you'll also be more versatile in your environment with digital hearing protection and the ability to communicate. Long story short, Comtacs outperforms the M32 Plus.  However, that does not consider the massive price difference, as the M32 Plus offers significant value (Bang For Your Buck).  The money saved buying an M32 Plus compared to Comtacs or Ops-Core Amps. Could nearly, if not cover the cost of a suppressor—save money and expand your gear. 

The M33 is a different story worth a review, as it can give the Comtacs a run for their money. Stay tuned for that in-depth review. 

Conclusion

Shoot, move, and communicate—safely. Protect your hearing to ensure you remain effective in critical scenarios. Your hearing is invaluable, and taking steps to safeguard it is essential.  Protect yourself, perform your best, and consider your long-term quality of life.

Stay Safe and Be Prepared!

 

Disclaimer

This information is intended for educational purposes only.  While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content presented, readers must conduct independent research when selecting ballistic protection. Neither RED OpTec LLC nor the author(s) are liable for any decisions based on this information or for any use or misuse of the content provided. Always verify the certification and claims of any products through trusted sources before purchasing.