Please Explain How Earplugs Work?

Ramki

Member
Author
Dec 22, 2016
25
Los Angeles
Tinnitus Since
12/20/2016
Cause of Tinnitus
Loud Music
Hello Guys,

Thank you for all you support. I have question on how earplugs actually work. For example if I use foam earplugs (32 dB) what does this mean? This mean noice reduces to 32 dB?

1) For example if I am doing a road trip for 5 hours and there is music playing between 60 to 80 dB level can I still use earplugs and continue drive while wearing 32 dB earplugs?

2) Second example: Can I wear 32 dB earplugs and watch a movie in IMAX or go to concert?

3) I understand that earplugs are safe but loud environments such as concerts, IMAX theaters, loud car music are safe with ear plugs?

4) I can still listen to music when wearing earplugs when music is around 70 db or so in car......... but is it safe?

Please help. Thank you!
-
Ramki!
 
It means that the ear plugs reduce decibel sound by 32. So lets say your music is at 80db, with the ear plugs properly inserted it will be 48db. I still wouldnt go to a concernt with ear plugs but thats just me
 
This number is a general indication of how much the noise will be attenuated (reduced) when the earplug is properly fitted (inserting foam earplugs properly is challenging).

Earplugs are pretty bad at attenuating low frequencies (car noise).

It's difficult to say what previously damaged ears (you have tinnitus) can handle, I'll leave that question to other, move knowledgeable forum members ;)
 
For car driving and some music, foam earplugs are maybe overkilled, musicians earplugs should be fine and will improve quality of music compared to foams :)
 
It means that the ear plugs reduce decibel sound by 32. So lets say your music is at 80db, with the ear plugs properly inserted it will be 48db. I still wouldnt go to a concernt with ear plugs but thats just me
Thank you for your answer! It helps!! Have a good day!
 
For car driving and some music, foam earplugs are maybe overkilled, musicians earplugs should be fine and will improve quality of music compared to foams :)
Thank you for your answer! It helps!! I tried musician earplugs. They hurt when I insert, so I do not want to use! Foam plugs are very comfortable.
 
This number is a general indication of how much the noise will be attenuated (reduced) when the earplug is properly fitted (inserting foam earplugs properly is challenging).

Earplugs are pretty bad at attenuating low frequencies (car noise).

It's difficult to say what previously damaged ears (you have tinnitus) can handle, I'll leave that question to other, move knowledgeable forum members ;)
Thank s buddy for educating me! Have a good day!
 
Yes you just subtract it for the db reduction. If you add earplugs and earmuffs they do not add up, though, it adds maybe an additional 5db reduction. You have to make sure the earplugs fit you properly. I have large ear canals, so most earplugs give me much less than a 32 db reduction.
 

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