The U.S.Environmental Protection Agency requires manufacturers
to print a noise reduction rating (NRR) on all non-custom earplugs.
The formula used to determine NRR includes an adjustment for test
variability, individual variability, and for those persons who do not
wear ear protection as instructed.When worn properly, Etymotic
earplugs provide more sound reduction than the assigned NRR
value.Laboratory data on subjects wearing properly sealed
ETY•Plugs
™
shows between 18-22 dB average sound reduction
over the 250-8000 Hz frequency range, but the NRR calculated
from the same data is 12 dB.
ETY•Plugs earplugs use patented
technology that replicates the natural
response of the ear canal so that sound
heard with these earplugs is as clear as
the original, just quieter. The BabyBlues
™
earplugs were created to fit smaller ear
canals. ETY•Plugs earplugs have nearly
the same fidelity as Etymotic’s Musicians
Earplugs
™
(custom earplugs worn by
professional musicians) and are a
low-cost alternative.
About ETY•Plugs (2 Sizes)
About Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
ETY• Plugs provide almost equal sound reduction (20 dB) across the range of
hearing. Foam earplugs reduce the high frequencies, resulting in muffled
speech and music.
Musicians Earplugs™
How much noise is too much?
Hearing loss is a function of exposure time, the average sound level,
and the peak level of very loud sounds. Exposure to excessive noise
can cause permanent hearing loss depending on the intensity and
duration of the sound. Some persons are more susceptible to hearing
loss from high-level sound than others.
Preserve sound quality
The human ear overloads at high sound levels, making it difficult
or impossible to distinguish speech or the musical blend.
Prevent ringing in the ears
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and temporary hearing loss can occur
from a single concert, sporting event or sudden loud noise like a
firecracker. Even if a temporary hearing loss recovers over a period
of hours to days, there is a risk that repeated exposure to loud noise
could result in permanent hearing loss.
Noise-induced hearing loss
can be prevented!
ETY•Plugs
™
High Fidelity Earplugs
lower noise evenly at all frequencies
to preserve sound quality. Sound is not muffled. Music is heard clearly,
but at a safe, reduced volume.
The Good News
FACT
More than 30 million Americans are exposed
to hazardous sound levels on a regular basis. About
one-third (10 million) can attribute their hearing loss,
at least in part, to noise. Exposure occurs in the workplace,
in recreational settings, and at home.
Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
Hearing loss is a function of exposure time, the average noise level and the
peak level of very loud sounds.
85
8 hours
88
4 hours
91
2 hours
94
1 hour
97
30 minutes
100
15 minutes
103
7.5 minutes
106
< 4 minutes
109
< 2 minutes
112
~1 minutes
115
~30 seconds
Continuous
Unprotected Permissible
Sound
dB
(A)
Exposure Time
Permissible Sound Exposure Guidelines
NIOSH (1998)
ETY•Plugs Noise Reduction
Standard BabyBlues™
