What dual protection is necessary for continuous noise levels greater than 104 dba?

When noise levels exceed 104 dBA, single forms of hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs alone, may not provide sufficient protection against the potential for hearing loss. The use of both earplugs and earmuffs together creates a dual layer of protection, effectively reducing the overall sound levels reaching the ear.

Earplugs are designed to fit directly into the ear canal, providing a level of protection that blocks high-frequency sounds. Earmuffs, on the other hand, cover the entire ear and are effective at reducing lower frequency sounds. By combining these two types of protection, an individual's overall exposure to harmful noise can be minimized significantly, ensuring a higher level of safety in environments with continuous loud noise.

Utilizing both forms of protection is a safety best practice when working in environments with elevated noise levels, as it enhances the overall effectiveness of each device and ensures better hearing preservation.