Understanding Noise Ratings

We are all bombarded with varying levels of noise in different environments throughout the day. Noise exposure is the term we use to quantify this. In other words, it’s the amount and intensity of sound that you encounter. Whether its power tools, heavy traffic, shrieking teenagers, concerts of sporting events—it all counts. It’s when these noises are suddenly too loud, or just loud enough over an extended period of time, that we start to run into issues.

This is where noise ratings come in. Measurements that help us make smart decisions when it comes to hearing and hearing protection.

Audiology First is here to inform you and help you make these choices intelligently. We can start by educating ourselves of what noise ratings are and how we use them to our patients' advantage.

What Are Noise Ratings?

Noise ratings are standardized measurements used to describe how well a hearing protection device will reduce the amount of sound that reaches your ears. Examples of these devices would be earplugs or earmuffs.

The most common of these measurements is the Noise Reduction Rating. Determined through laboratory testing, this measurement is expressed in decibels (dB), and indicates the potential level of sound reduction if the protection is worn correctly.

Real-world environments differ significantly from a lab, though. To account for this, we use a simple formula to estimate effective protection in the everyday environments we actually live in:

Effective Noise Reduction = (NRR − 7) ÷ 2

So, if a pair of earmuffs, for example, has a noise reduction rating of 30dB, the actual reduction in a typical setting would be around 11.5 dB. It’s an important metric to understand, as it provides a more realistic understanding of the true level of protection being offered.

Why Noise Ratings Matter

Did you know that noise exposure is one of the leading causes of preventable hearing loss worldwide? Continuous exposure to noise above 85 dB (lawnmowers, loud music, and heavy machinery all fall into this category) can permanently damage the tiny hair cells in your inner ear which are responsible for hearing.

Here are some facts to consider:

Prolonged exposure to noise above 85 dB can cause irreversible hearing damage.
The higher the decibel level, the shorter the safe exposure time becomes.
Early signs of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) include muffled hearing, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and trouble understanding speech.

These outcomes are preventable. Properly rated hearing protection can preserve your hearing long-term.

Noise Ratings and Hearing Aids

Hearing aids can be a bit deceiving in the sense that many who wear them often think they offer enough protection from loud noises and environments. Unfortunately, they do not offer much of a noise reduction rating on their own, and are not a sufficient substitute for hearing protection.

In noisy environments, such as workplaces or at concerts, there is no need to try and wear hearing protection and hearing aids at the same time, as the hearing aids will likely whistle. The goal is to prevent sound from entering the ear canal, and keep sound levels below 85 dB to prevent further damage from occurring.

To accomplish this, there are different options available; custom-fitted earplugs or active noise-cancelling earmuffs are great choices that maximize both comfort and functionality. When someone has experienced hearing loss, it becomes all the more important to preserve that remaining here as best as we can.

Choosing the Right Hearing Protection

Different forms of hearing protection are available, and each of them has their own unique benefits. Let’s look at some of them now:

Foam Earplugs

Soft and disposable, foam earplugs will expand in your ear canal to form a seal.

Pre-Molded Earplugs

These are reusable and available in different sizes, offering a more consistent fit to the user.

Earmuffs

Cover the entire ear, easy to put on and take off. The most comprehensive form of noise reduction.

Custom-Molded Earplugs

A truly custom fit—designed to sit perfectly in your ear for maximum comfort and protection.

The choice you make will heavily depend on your lifestyle and profession. Working in construction is very different from mowing your grass. A helpful tip: If your earplugs are fitting correctly, your voice should sound slightly muffled or louder to yourself.

Tips for Effective Use

Having the right type of hearing protection is one thing, using it properly is another. It’s easy to completely negate the effectiveness of the former by ignoring the latter. Here’s some tips to help you avoid that.

Ensure a proper fit. Poorly fitted earplugs or earmuffs significantly reduce their effectiveness.
Wear them consistently. Always wear hearing protection when around potentially harmful noise.
Clean and store properly. Reusable earplugs and earmuffs should be cleaned regularly and stored in a clean, dry case.

How to Use Pre-Molded Earplugs

A final instructional guide for you to keep in mind and consider:

Gently pull the top of your ear up and back with your opposite hand to straighten your ear canal.
Use the other hand to firmly grip the stem of the earplug and gently slide the earplug into the ear canal. Use a rocking motion until you have sealed the ear canal.
To remove pre-molded earplugs, slowly rock them back and forth to break the seal with your ear canal, and then gently pull them out of your ear.

Understanding noise ratings (and how to apply them) can make a world of difference in the protection and preservation of your hearing. Whether you're exposed to loud environments occasionally or daily, selecting the right level of protection, with the appropriate noise reduction rating, is key.

The team at Audiology First is committed to helping you protect your hearing with expert guidance and customized hearing protection solutions—book a consultation with us today to find the right hearing protection for your lifestyle and needs.

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Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Medical Emergency You Can't Ignore

October 3, 2025

When it comes to audiology, there’s only one true emergency: sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) . Unlike gradual hearing loss that develops over years, SSNHL appears abruptly and requires immediate medical attention. Audiology First specializes in rapid emergency hearing care, with diagnostic protocols and treatment pathways designed to act fast when every hour matters. Quick intervention can mean the difference between full recovery and permanent hearing damage. Let’s learn how to recognize warning signs and understand what a treatment plan would look like. Understanding Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Definition and Criteria To an Audiologist, sudden sensorineural hearing loss is defined as a 30+ dB hearing loss (which in layman's terms would be a very noticeable change) across three different pitches of hearing within 72 hours. For it to be a true sudden sensorineural loss, it cannot be related to anything else, like wax blockage, fluid buildup or a blockage. It happens without warning and is often mistaken for a minor issue like earwax buildup or fluid in the ear, but the stakes are often much higher. Prevalence and Demographics SSNHL affects about 5 to 20 per 100,000 people annually , with thousands of cases reported across Canada. While it can strike at any age, adults in their 40s and 50s are more commonly affected. Unilateral vs. Bilateral Most cases are unilateral (one ear), but in rare circumstances, hearing loss can affect both ears. Bilateral cases are especially urgent and may point to underlying systemic or autoimmune conditions. Associated Symptoms Patients often experience additional warning signs such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, or a sensation of fullness in the affected ear. Audiology First’s Emergency Assessment Our clinic prioritizes same-day evaluations , including audiometric testing and immediate physician referral when needed. By identifying SSNHL quickly, we aim to maximize the window for effective treatment and recovery. Remember that hearing care centers like Audiology First cannot treat sudden loss, but play a role in identifying it. If you cannot see an audiologist or another trained hearing care professional right away, you should not delay seeking medical help from a physician. If same day testing is not available, you should continue to seek help as a matter of urgency. We recommend using one or more of the following resources: Call Alberta Healthlink on 311 Visit an Urgent Care center Visit your local Emergency Room or Call a local Ear Nose and Throat specialist’s office Recognizing the Warning Signs Immediate Symptoms The hallmark sign is sudden hearing loss in one ear , which may feel like muffled sounds or difficulty understanding speech. Secondary Indicators Other red flags include persistent tinnitus, balance issues, and ear pressure that can accompany the hearing loss. When to Seek Emergency Care Time is of the essence. Some research shows that treatment is most effective when started within the first 72 hours . While some people’s hearing may recover spontaneously with or without treatment, delaying medical attention can lead to permanent hearing impairment . In some cases, hearing does not recover, even with prompt treatment. If you are experiencing dizziness at the same time as a hearing loss, do not drive yourself to seek help, but consider getting someone to drive you to any immediate appointments. Self-Assessment Techniques At home, a simple test is to cover one ear at a time when listening to a familiar sound (such as your phone or TV). If one side sounds significantly quieter or distorted, it’s an urgent signal to seek help. If you are a hearing aid user, it is important to check that your hearing aid is not blocked or malfunctioning in some way, giving the appearance of a sudden change in hearing. Treatment Options and Protocols Audiologists and Hearing Care Professionals cannot prescribe medications, but these are some of the options offered to people with sudden loss when they visit a medical professional. Corticosteroid Therapy The primary treatment for SSNHL is corticosteroids, delivered either orally or through intratympanic injections. These reduce inflammation and improve the likelihood of hearing recovery. Prednisone is often prescribed. Treatment Timing Prompt treatment is crucial. Patients who start therapy within 14 days of onset have significantly better outcomes. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For patients who don’t respond to steroids, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can serve as a salvage treatment, improving oxygen delivery to the inner ear. Supportive Care Managing related issues like tinnitus or dizziness may require additional therapies, including hearing aids or vestibular rehabilitation. Audiology First’s Treatment Approach We have a great relationship with the local ENT specialists, and coordinate all aspects of care with them to ensure each patient has access to the best possible recovery options. Recovery and Rehabilitation Recovery Timelines: Recovery can range from a few days to several months, depending on the severity and speed of treatment. Some patients regain full hearing, while others experience only partial improvement. Hearing Aid Considerations: For those with lasting deficits, modern hearing aids can provide amplification and restore communication confidence. Tinnitus Management: Persistent ringing in the ears is often a consequence of hearing loss that can be managed through sound therapy, well fitted hearing aids, counseling, and tinnitus retraining techniques. Follow-up Care: You should return to the clinic for a series of routine follow up tests over the weeks and months following a sudden hearing loss. This allows us to measure whether treatments have been successful, and to treat any residual hearing loss. Audiology First’s Rehabilitation Services For those who need it, Our team provides comprehensive recovery support, including custom hearing aid fittings, counseling, and personalized rehabilitation plans. Prevention and Risk Factors Known Risk Factors Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss has been linked to the following: Viral infections Autoimmune disorders Circulatory problems Certain medications Age-related vulnerabilities Protective Measures Protecting your hearing from loud noise, avoiding ototoxic medications when possible, and treating systemic health issues can lower risk. Early Detection Baseline hearing tests and regular audiology check-ups can help detect changes early and establish a benchmark for comparison. Lifestyle Factors It is difficult to note which factors may reduce the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, but a healthy lifestyle—including balanced nutrition, exercise, and cardiovascular health—supports long-term hearing preservation. Audiology First’s Prevention Programs We provide preventive screenings, personalized risk assessments, and educational resources so patients can take proactive steps toward protecting their hearing health. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss is not a typical hearing problem…it’s a medical emergency. If you or someone you know experiences sudden hearing loss, don’t wait, contact Audiology First immediately during business hours, or contact any other trusted hearing care clinic. If you cannot reach us, please seek immediate medical attention. Book your hearing evaluation today and take the first proactive step in protecting your long-term hearing health.