Plugfones Protection Guide
The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is a measure used to determine the effectiveness of hearing protection devices, such as earplugs and earmuffs. It quantifies how much sound these devices can effectively block out, and is indicated in decibels (dB). The higher the NRR number, the greater the potential for noise reduction, which is crucial for protecting one’s hearing in environments with high sound levels, whether occupational or recreational. Understanding an NRR helps users select appropriate hearing protection based on their specific needs—be it for reducing damage during a live concert, while working in loud industrial settings, or in any other noisy environment. By choosing products with an appropriate NRR, individuals can significantly mitigate the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.
The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) scale ranges from 0 to 30 decibels, which is used to assess the effectiveness of a product in sealing out noise, along with its level of protection. The closer the NRR is to 30dB, the greater the product’s capacity to protect you. Sometimes, you might actually prefer a lower level of protection in order to hear your surroundings better; while other activities like going to the shooting range might require two sets of ear protection because of the high decibel level produced by a firearm.
Product Protection Level
Liberate 2.0
Mercenary
The Sovereign
Sovereign Duo
Basic
Basic Pro(YB)
Basic Pro(OB)
Guardian
Guardian Plus
Protector
Protector Plus
Protector(VL)
Protector Plus(VL)
Freereign
Freereign(VL)
Freereign(Music Only)(VL)
Dynamics
Appropriate Protection
Ever wonder what amount of ear protection is appropriate for your work or hobbies? Below we have details about different activity types along with the products to match them.
90 - 95 decibels
Exposure: 2 hr/week at 90dB
Activities at this noise level are typical of things we do and use every day. Making a smoothie with your blender, using a hairdryer, mowing the lawn, getting under the hood of your car and listening to the engine or even riding around town on your motorcycle. Although these activities will only cause minor damage to your hearing, we still recommend using Plugfones to protect your hearing during these everyday tasks. The Sovereign Duo, with its charging case, is a very convenient option. No need to worry about wires as they are wireless and store easily in your pocket. For wired ear protection, we would suggest the Basic or Guardian Plus.
Activities:
Riding Around Town
Mowing The Lawn
Active Car Engine
95 - 100 decibels
Exposure: 1 hr/week at 95dB
Activities at this noise level are still encountered frequently. Using power tools in your garage, operating an air compressor, riding a lawn mower around your yard, attending an average school dance, or operating factory machinery. While these should only cause minor damage to your hearing, we recommend using Plugfones to protect yourself during these tasks. The Sovereign’s charging case can easily fit in your pocket, and provides an amazing wireless experience. For wired ear protection, we would suggest using the Basic. Dynamics are a good option for those looking for hearing protection without audio output.
Activities:
Simple Power Tools
Air Compressor
Riding Lawn Mower
100 - 110 decibels
Exposure: 15 min/week at 100dB
Activities at this noise level aren’t as frequent, but can still be generated regularly depending on your lifestyle. Riding motorcycles on the highway, using a leaf blower, being near trains, partying at a nightclub, operating heavier power tools, getting shouted at from up-close, and even cries from a baby. These situations have the potential to damage to your hearing, so we recommend using Plugfones to protect it. The liberate 2.0 is a great wireless solution. The basic pro is a cheaper wireless option. For those looking for wired options, the Protector Plus should be perfect for these activities.
Activities:
Riding on the Highway
Leaf Blower
Train
110 - 120 decibels
Exposure: 2 min/week at 110dB
This noise level is very dangerous for your hearing, and can still be regularly experienced depending on where or how you live. A car’s horn, using chain saws, attending rock concerts, attending football games held in stadiums, high-volume music players, heavy machinery, ambulance sirens, and .22 LR Rifles, have the potential, if not a guarantee to damage your hearing. Therefore, we recommend using Plugfones to protect your ears during these tasks. The Mercenary is an excellent option for hearing protection, with its over-ear design, and bluetooth connectivity. For those looking for an in-ear option, the FreeReign is right up your alley. The Dynamics are perfect for those looking for protection, without the features provided by our other products.
Activities:
Average Car Horn
Chain Saw
Rock Concert
Double Protection
For anything over 110 dB, we highly recommend using any of our products in combination with the Mercenary.
More information on safety can be found here.
120+ decibels
Exposure: 10 sec/week at 120dB
Being near fireworks exploding, airplanes taking-off, playing the drums, blasting music through powerful car stereos, firing hand guns, automatic rifles, shotguns, and even popping a balloon can easily reach or exceed 120dB, causing hearing damage in just seconds. One thing to note is that gunshots can easily reach or even exceed 150dB, which has the potential to immediately cause hearing loss without proper protection. For this very reason, we highly recommend using any Plugfones product, in combination with the Mercenary, to protect your ears in these situations.
Activities:
Fireworks
Hand Guns
