The Decibel Scale

[skippydiesel]

I am not sure that I understand how the Decibel scale is applied to earmuffs/headsets.

 

Example;

Comparing two ear muffs, one with an Attenuation rating of 35 dB and the other at 33 dB

 

I take it the 35 reduces sound better than the 33 dB BUT is the 2 dB difference significant? ie would I even notice it?😈

[T510]

[skippydiesel]

Thanks! Very nice visual representation BUT would I notice a 2 dB difference in noise attenuation??😈

[T510]

A 2db change is typically barely noticeable but it comes down to the individual.

 

 

[BurnieM]

Another question to be asked is how is it measured and is manufacturer As measurement comparible with manufacturer Bs ?

 

While attentuation should be technically based it is often marketing based.

 

[jetboy]

1 dB is defined as the amount an average human perceives as a change in level.

3 dB is doubling of a level of sound

the measurment method must be stated in terms of distance, average or peak and whether the frequency range is weighted for the human ear or some other sensitivity curve

 

I'd expect headsets or ear muffs are rated the same way and should be comparable, but may differ if you are wearing spectacles or cloth comfort covers etc.

 

Then theres the ANR marketing and the gel seals vs. foam. I personally like the 3M which previously was Peltor Muffs, or the type seen on circuit racing car pit crews with the headband behind the neck.  3 dB would be the point I would say matters, but you get and extra 10 or 15 dB with ANR and 20 or so adding foam earplugs first.

[spacesailor]

Ear moffs & foam ear plugs , will not stop hearing damage .

If  the sound is in the 120 plus zone !.

How do I know .

I have industrial deathness. 

Can't hear sparrows, cicadas,  and lots of spoken words .

 

spacesailor

PS :   or , my cat calling for food . I just see her  mouth moving .

 

Edited yesterday at 06:14 AM by spacesailor
PS added

[skippydiesel]

I am considering a fun headset project using Peltor/3m ear muffs as the base.

 

I did this once before with an old pair of Peltor ear muffs - worked out okay. From memory the only new part I purchased was the electret microphone.

 

IF this project goes ahead, I will splurge - new high end Peltor Optime III ($51) OR  X Series ($60). + about $100 in new parts, supplemented by odds & end I have already. Should be able to deliver a nice height end passive attenuation headset for well under $200 (not counting the fun)😈

[BrendAn]

27 minutes ago, skippydiesel said:

I am considering a fun headset project using Peltor/3m ear muffs as the base.

 

I did this once before with an old pair of Peltor ear muffs - worked out okay. From memory the only new part I purchased was the electret microphone.

 

IF this project goes ahead, I will splurge - new high end Peltor Optime III ($51) OR  X Series ($60). + about $100 in new parts, supplemented by odds & end I have already. Should be able to deliver a nice height end passive attenuation headset for well under $200 (not counting the fun)😈

 i had a micro avionics   headset that used peltor muffs

Edited 22 hours ago by BrendAn

[Kyle Communications]

Skippy ....Just spend the bucks and get a set of Lightspeeds...problem be gone 🙂

[BrendAn]

10 hours ago, skippydiesel said:

I am considering a fun headset project using Peltor/3m ear muffs as the base.

 

I did this once before with an old pair of Peltor ear muffs - worked out okay. From memory the only new part I purchased was the electret microphone.

 

IF this project goes ahead, I will splurge - new high end Peltor Optime III ($51) OR  X Series ($60). + about $100 in new parts, supplemented by odds & end I have already. Should be able to deliver a nice height end passive attenuation headset for well under $200 (not counting the fun)😈

Have Bunnings run out of headsets. 😁

[skippydiesel]

10 hours ago, Kyle Communications said:

Skippy ....Just spend the bucks and get a set of Lightspeeds...problem be gone 🙂

Where's the fun?😈