Hearing Protection Advice for Construction Worker Using a Jackhammer

[adrian rojas]

Quick question, guys.

I recently took a new job in construction, working with cement. Every other day, I have to use a jackhammer, which reaches peak decibels over 120.

I have been using 3M foam earplugs with a 33 NRR along with 30 NRR earmuffs. From what I understand, the actual noise reduction is about 5 NRR added on top of the highest-rated protection, which would give me a total reduction of 38 decibels. That would bring the noise exposure down to around 82 decibels, which should be a safe level.

I had to take this job to feed my family. I have been working in construction for the past six years, and I am 24 years old. I do not want to damage my ears any worse, but I also need to support my family.

Can anyone offer some advice? Thank you all so much!

 

[Jupiterman]

A tinnitus sufferer and jackhammers are not an ideal match.

This is certainly a risk for tinnitus worsening, especially as you age and experience more exposures.

Can you ask your line manager for alternative duties that don't involve using a jackhammer?

 

[adrian rojas]

A tinnitus sufferer and jackhammers are not an ideal match.

This is certainly a risk for tinnitus worsening, especially as you age and experience more exposures.

Can you ask your line manager for alternative duties that don't involve using a jackhammer?

At this point, I really don't have a choice. Like I said, I have to put food on the table for my family.

I was just wondering if anyone here knows the math for NRR and whether I'm in the safe zone with double hearing protection. The jackhammer I was using peaked at around 120 decibels and ran continuously at about 115.

 

[Jupiterman]

At this point, I really don't have a choice. Like I said, I have to put food on the table for my family.

I was just wondering if anyone here knows the math for NRR and whether I'm in the safe zone with double hearing protection. The jackhammer I was using peaked at around 120 decibels and ran continuously at about 115.

Even with hearing protection, sound waves still travel through your skull via bone conduction to your inner ears. You must be able to hear it when working with a jackhammer.

On top of that, there are also intense, high-energy vibrations from your hands on the jackhammer, which travel through your body and reach your inner ears as well.

I highly doubt that anyone on this forum would encourage a tinnitus sufferer to use a jackhammer—whether with ear protection or not. It's simply insane.

You say you have no choice?

Have you tried looking for another job?