Protecting Your Ears When in Your Garage shouldn’t be overlooked
Working in a garage can expose you to loud noises that may cause permanent hearing damage. If you use power tools, operate motorized vehicles such as forklifts or lift trucks, or work around heavy equipment, your risk of developing hearing loss from exposure to noise is high. Our ears are delicate sensory organs that require special protection when exposed to loud sounds. In general, noise above 85 decibels can lead to hearing loss if the exposure is continuous and unbroken. Even if you think you’re immune to noise-induced hearing loss, take precautions with ear protection when working in your garage — and follow these steps for keeping your ears safe:
Wear Ear Protection
Ear protection is essential when noises reach dangerous decibel levels. There are several types of hearing protection you can use while working, including earplugs, earmuffs, and noise-canceling headphones. Keep in mind that not all hearing protection is created equal. High-quality earplugs or noise-canceling headphones are more effective than lower-quality earmuffs. Earplugs are made from soft materials that fit snugly in the ear canal. They’re easy to wear, and some can be custom-fit to the shape of your ears.
Disposable plugs are less expensive and easier to store than reusable plugs. Earmuffs are similar in design to full-face safety helmets. They sit over both ears, covering the entire ear. Earmuffs are effective at blocking out loud noises, and they’re easy to adjust to fit a wide range of head sizes. Hearing protection won’t work if you don’t wear them correctly. Be sure to read the product instructions to determine how to wear each type properly.
Schedule Breaks
An easy way to reduce your noise exposure is to schedule breaks while working. For example, if you know operating a table saw can expose you to continuous noise of 90 decibels, take a break every 10 minutes to reduce your exposure to that level. Taking frequent breaks can help reduce your risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Breaks are also useful for preventing fatigue, which can increase your risk for injury. If you’re operating a noisy piece of equipment, make sure you’re wearing the proper protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs.
Install Sound-Proofing Material
If you can’t avoid working in an extremely loud environment, install sound-proofing material to reduce noise levels. Sound-proofing materials are inexpensive and can be installed in a few hours. They include wall panels, insulation, and barriers. Wall panels are available in pre-made patterns and can be easily installed. You can install insulation panels between the wall studs and the floor. Barrier panels are designed to block sound from traveling between rooms. Keep in mind that sound-proofing materials are not 100% effective. They reduce noise levels, but they don’t eliminate them. If you’re installing soundproofing materials in your garage, conduct a noise assessment before and after the installation. This will allow you to monitor the effectiveness of the materials.
Conclusion
Hearing loss is an epidemic and one that many people ignore until it’s too late. When the damage is done, it can be irreversible. So, by following the above tips and taking precautionary measures, you can avoid many issues that come with hearing loss. Keep in mind that ear protection should always be worn when operating loud equipment, as even a low-decibel sound can cause damage if you’re exposed to it for a long time. Follow these tips for keeping your ears safe during your garage work.