Easy Sound Level Calculation

Noise exposure and Hearing Protection Class selection:

Selection of hearing protection is based on the eight-hour equivalent (LAeq,8h) and not at a peak level. To find the right LAeq,8h you can use the calculator below, and fill in the noise levels at your workplace and how much time you spend in those levels. Please use realistic figures.

For example, an angle grinder that produces 110 dB, is not operated for 8 hours a day, but normally only a couple of minutes of time spread over the day, which can add up to, say 1 hour actively operating it. The time in between might be spent with changing work pieces, welding, reading drawings, communication etc.

Every 3 dB increase in LAaq 8h the allowed exposure time halves I.e. 8 hour at 85 dB is “acceptable” without hearing protection. At 88 dB this is only 4 hours. At 91 dB, 2 hours etc.

The calculator, selection criteria and other recommendations are based on the same methods as recommended by the Department of Labour.

Click here to open the eight-hour equivalent calculator.

It is important to select hearing protection from the correct class, as under protection is unsafe and overprotection is unsafe as well! Overprotection causes discomfort and acoustical isolation as well as difficult communication and loss of environmental awareness.

If hearing protection is not worn 100% of the time, effectiveness is reduced dramatically. I.e. 10 minutes in a full day not worn in the noise reduces the overall protection by 40%.

Noise does not only develop hearing damage but also fatigue, sleeping problems, irritation, misjudgements, etc.

We can offer you a suitable product for every situation as we have custom made earplugs from Class 1 and up, including Class 5 earplugs.

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