Infield Gehoer 16-S GB - infield-safety

What is loud?
Logarithmic increase of volume (dB) in comparison to
weight (kg)
Protective capacity
Decrease of protective capacity
Volume is often underestimated because the decibel scale is not linear but
logarithmic. This means that for every 10dB the intensity rises by 10-fold. To
illustrate the difference, weights can be used as an example.
Going from 60dB to 70dB is particularly dramatic: 10dB is the same
proportional difference as there is between the weight of an average adult
and a family car.
When going 10dB higher the analogy in weight is a heavy goods vehicle.
The duration of exposure is an important factor in hearing loss. The human
ear has its own protective capacity, similar to the role of melanin in the skin
to protect it from UV radiation. Hence we can expose our ears to 80dB for
8 hours without any lasting damage. An increase of 3dB to 83dB halves
this exposure time, i.e. 4 hours are safe. Please refer to the diagram for
further protective capacity times.
If you are exposed to noise levels of 80dB or above, hearing protection
becomes a necessity to prevent lasting damage to your ears.
6 7
Continuous exposure to noise causes hearing loss that is irreversible in 95%
of all cases.
Very often our bodies show symptoms that are not obviously linked with
noise, like insomnia, poor concentration and cardiovascular disease. If you
suffer from any of these complaints, it is advisable that your surroundings are
analysed for noise. In case that sources of dangerous noise levels have been
identified and cannot be eliminated, hearing protection must be worn. Find
more conditions associated with noise damage in the following paragraphs.
Conductive hearing loss
Damage to the ossicles (hammer, anvil and stirrup) renders them unable to
amplify sounds adequately. This results in a hearing loss of approximately
20dB.
Sensorineural hearing loss
Loud noises destroy the hair cells in the organ of Corti and can cause partial
or complete loss of hearing.
Tinnitus
Around 3 Million people suffer from tinnitus (Latin for ‚ringing’). This constant
noise in the ears is mostly described as a whistling sound, but can also take
the form of a buzzing, whooshing or rattling. It can not be measured but is
proven to lead to psychological problems and even suicide. There are many
attempts for therapy but no guarantees for a successful cure. Tinnitus is not
only caused by noise but also by stress, middle ear infection, decreased
blood flow to the inner ear or some medications.
Vertigo
Because the vestibular system located in the inner ear is also responsible for
the sense of balance, damage to the ear can also cause vertigo and
dizziness.
Often these symptoms are ignored, because they aren’t very obvious at first
and they have a very slow progression. Protect yourself, your employees and
your relatives with individually fitted hearing protection.
Hearing loss caused by noise