What does NRR 32 mean?
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is a measure of the effectiveness of a hearing protection device to reduce noise levels. Higher values indicate greater noise reduction. NRR values range up to approximately 30 dB. To the right is an example of the EPA label for a headset with an NRR of 33 dB.
The higher the NRR, the greater the noise reduction. You should aim for ear protection with a noise reduction rating of at least 22. A noise reduction of 30 is desirable, particularly if you are operating louder and larger firearms.
NRR is a common method for expressing values of noise reduction or attenuation provided by different types of hearing protectors; values range from 0 to approximately 30, with higher values indicating greater amounts of noise reduction.
NRR Ratings
The highest NRR rating for earplugs is 33, and the highest available NRR rating for earmuffs is 31. These values reflect the level of noise protection available for each device when worn alone.
85 Decibels (dB) - the "Action Level" where hearing protection is required. 90 dB - the OSHA, 8 hour average exposure limit.
A great rule of thumb when considering what Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is best for shooting -- start by aiming for a protection level of at least 25 decibels. If your hearing protection has at least a 25 NRR and doesn't sacrifice comfort or compromise your ability to communicate with others, you'll be in great shape.
Considering the likelihood of incurring a NIHL, NIOSH recommends that hunters and shooters use double hearing protection every time a weapon is fired. Double protection involves wearing both earplugs and earmuffs. The best combination is a deeply-inserted foam earplug and a well-seated earmuff.
Quick Summary. There are three types of hearing protection: Earplugs, passive ear muffs, and active muffs. Gunfire measures at least 140 dB in volume, but it takes just 120 dB to cause immediate hearing loss. Hearing protection is rated with noise reduction ratings, or NRRs.
How loud is a gunshot? Decibel levels for firearms average between 140 and 165 dB.
| Name | Form-factor | NRR |
|---|---|---|
| Honeywell Sync Wireless Earmuff Best for Calls | Over-ear | 25 |
| WULFPOWERPRO Bluetooth Earmuffs Best Noise Reduction | Over-ear | 29 |
| ISOtunes PRO 2.0 Best for Active Lifestyles | In-ear (Neckband) | 27 |
| Peltor Sport Tactical 500 Best for Shooting | Over-ear | 26 |
At what dB is hearing protection required?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
NIOSH recommends that workers shall be required to wear hearing protectors when engaged in work that exposes them to noise that equals or exceeds 85 dBA as an 8-hour TWA.
Low-tech foam earplugs are still considered by many to be the most effective type for blocking out noise.
A hearing protector with an NRR below 20 will in general protect less than a device with an NRR in the 20's. A device with an NRR in the high 20's or low 30's will generally offer the most protection you can buy.
Depending on the caliber of the firearm, most gunshots will register around 150-170 dB. At these levels, hearing damage can occur quickly. It's also worth pointing out the proximity to our ears when shooting. Shouldering up against a shotgun or rifle places these ultra-loud noises very close to our ears.
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How Many Decibels do Earplugs Block.
| 30 dB | Whispering |
|---|---|
| 110 dB | Machinery |
the Noise. Reduction. Rating (NRR) The NRR describes the average. sound level reduction (attenuation)
The higher the decibel level, the louder the noise. On the decibel scale, the level increase of 10 means that a sound is actually 10 times more intense, or powerful.
How loud is a gunshot? Decibel levels for firearms average between 140 and 165 dB.
If you are wearing a product with an NRR of 27 it would deduct 10 decibels (27-7/2=10). *To maximize noise reduction, hearing protectors must be worn properly.