Photo credit: Hunting Mark licensed under CC BY 2.0
by Daniel Fink, MD, Chair, The Quiet Coalition
The Quiet Coalition does not endorse products, but does try to let people know about effective hearing protection devices. This article at NoisyWorld reviewing and rating ear muffs may be helpful for two reasons: 1) it explains the science behind the Noise Reduction Rating measurements, and 2) it educates the reader about ear muff style hearing protection, discussing the pros and cons of several different models.
Of course, there are many more options than just those discussed in this article. Full-size ear muffs are big and bulky but they may be more comfortable than earplugs for longer-term use, while folding ear muffs may be easier to carry to loud sporting events.
A photographer once said to me, “the best camera is the one you have with you when the great shot is before your eyes.”
And the best hearing protection is what you are wearing when the ambient noise is too loud.
For certain situations–a subway commute, a noisy office, or prolonged work in a noisy environment or with noisy power tools–ear muffs may be the best option.
