What is NRR and What Kind of Hearing Protection Do I Need?

Selecting the right hearing protection can be challenging. You might wonder if it's comfortable, whether it will interfere with your buttstock, or if it will make your ears sweaty. But the most crucial question is: will it provide adequate protection?

Understanding the science behind Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is key to making an informed choice. Here's what you need to know to ensure you pick the best hearing protection for your needs.

What is NRR?

NRR is an abbreviation for Noise Reduction Rating. The NRR is a number measured in decibels (dB). Its intended use is to help consumers compare the amount of noise being reduced by hearing protection devices.

How to Use NRR to Compare Hearing Protection Devices

The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) helps you compare the effectiveness of hearing protection devices. Generally, a higher NRR indicates greater noise reduction. For instance, a device with an NRR of 30 will offer more protection from harmful noise levels than one with an NRR of 26.

What NRR Should I Choose?

Hearing protection devices are available with NRR values ranging from the low teens up to around 30 dB or slightly more. The ideal NRR depends on your specific needs:

- High Noise Environments: If you’re shooting at an indoor range with significant echo and want to protect your hearing, especially if you already have some hearing loss, opt for a device with a high NRR, such as 29, 30, or 31.

- Moderate Noise Environments: For situations like traveling on a plane where you want to reduce noise to focus on reading or other activities, a device with an NRR of 15 will provide sufficient protection.

Does an NRR 30 Protector Reduce Noise by 30 Decibels?

Not exactly. The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) provides a general estimate of how much noise reduction you can expect, but it’s not a direct correlation. For example, a gunshot at 140 decibels would be reduced to around 110 decibels with a hearing protection device rated at NRR 30. This provides a rough idea of noise reduction but doesn’t mean the noise will be reduced by exactly 30 decibels.

Is the NRR Required on Hearing Protection Packaging?

Yes, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates labeling requirements for hearing protection products. The NRR must be clearly displayed on the packaging, following a standard template issued by the EPA. This ensures that all hearing protection devices have consistent labeling and provides consumers with essential information about the level of noise reduction offered.

So, if I buy a hearing protector with an NRR of 29, am I getting 29 dB of protection?

Not necessarily. The NRR provides a general measure for comparing hearing protection devices, but the actual protection you receive can vary based on several factors:

1. Following Instructions for Use: For optimal protection, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For instance, earplugs often require you to pull down on your earlobe to open the ear canal before insertion. Not following these steps may result in less effective protection than the NRR suggests.

2. Compromising the Hearing Protector: The NRR is tested with hearing protection used alone, without additional gear like safety glasses. If you wear safety glasses, their frames can affect the seal of earmuffs, reducing their effectiveness and thus the actual noise reduction.

3. Your Anatomy: Individual differences in ear canal size and shape mean that the effectiveness of hearing protection can vary from person to person. For example, a person with smaller ear canals might experience better protection with a 26 NRR earmuff compared to a 28 NRR earplug, depending on how well each device fits their anatomy.

The NRR rating isn’t useless; it’s a helpful guideline for comparing hearing protection devices. While it provides an estimate of how much noise reduction you might expect, it’s more practical to think in terms of ranges rather than exact numbers. Generally, hearing protectors with an NRR below 20 offer less protection compared to those in the 20s, while devices in the high 20s or low 30s usually provide the most protection available.