Why annual monitoring, and not calibration?

Written by MIM101 on . Posted in news

Calibration only applies to electronic equipment. While our test equipment is calibrated regularly, no hearing protection device needs to be calibrated. Rather, the device is monitored for the effective functioning of the product in the user’s ear, by performing a leak-tight check. The only reason for adjusting the filter would be if the person has subsequently moved to a different noise environment.

At what noise level does hearing loss occur?

Written by MIM101 on . Posted in news

Both the amount of noise and the length of time you are exposed to the noise determine its ability to damage your hearing. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). The higher the decibel level, the louder the noise. Sounds louder than 80 decibels are considered potentially hazardous. The noise chart below gives an idea of average decibel levels for everyday sounds around you.

Painful:

  • 150 dB = rock music peak
  • 140 dB = firearms, air raid siren, jet engine
  • 130 dB = jackhammer
  • 120 dB = jet plane take-off, amplified rock music at 1-2 m, car stereo, band practice.

Extremely loud:

  • 110 dB = rock music, model airplane
  • 106 dB = timpani and bass drum rolls
  • 100 dB = snowmobile, chain saw, pneumatic drill
  • 90 dB = lawnmower, shop tools, truck traffic, subway

Very loud:

  • 80 dB = alarm clock, busy street
  • 70 dB = busy traffic, vacuum cleaner
  • 60 dB = conversation, dishwasher

Moderate:

  • 50 dB = moderate rainfall
  • 40 dB = quiet room

Faint:

  • 30 dB = whisper, quiet library