Kids Projects
 

Ear Protection and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

The Objective : The objective of this project is to determine which ear protection device will provide the greatest noise reduction over different frequencies tested. I believe that Hearos earplugs will produce the greatest noise reduction because it has the highest NRR (noise reduction rating) of all brands tested.

Methods/Materials

I selected five brands of earplugs for testing. I used a styrofoam mannequin head with holes drilled from ear to ear to hold an earplug on one side and a sound level meter on the other.

An electronic keyboard was used to create three different sound frequencies.

Multiple readings were taken and recorded for the control (without earplugs) and for each brand of earplugs at each frequency tested.

Results

The results showed that Mack's earplugs produced the greatest sound reduction for all frequencies tested. It reduced decibel levels by 10.7% at the higher frequency, 3.6% at the middle frequency, and 6.1% at the lower frequency.

Quiet Time finished second, with Hearos and Quiet!Please tied for third. EarPlanes finished in last place. The order of finish was the same across all three sound frequencies tested.

Conclusions/Discussion

Mack's earplugs were the most effective at reducing sound levels at all frequencies tested. The data did not support my hypothesis because Hearos had the highest NRR but tied for third. My theory is that Mack's was the most effective because it formed a tighter seal and blocked more sound waves from entering the ear.

These results may be different from testing on a human ear compared to styrofoam, which is more difficult to get a proper seal. Ear protection is important to consider in situations with excessive noise because noise-induced hearing loss can be permanent, but is also 100% preventable.

This project is to determine which ear protection device will produce the greatest sound reduction over different frequencies tested.

Science Fair Project done By Vincent T. Sciacca

 

 

<<Back To Topics Page...................................................................................>>Next Topic

Related Projects : Catchers Are Protected Behind Home Plate ,Comparing the Effectiveness of Toothpaste Brands on Minimizing Tooth Decay ,Comparing the Results of Blood Glucose Meters ,Determining The Combustibility of Household Paints ,Do Debbie Meyer Green Bags Really Work to Preserve Fruits and Vegetables ,Does the Fat Content in Dairy Affect Its Taste ,Ear Protection and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss ,Economic Generic Brands vs. Name Brand Sunscreen ,Effect of Light Bulb Type on Energy Consumption ,Effect of Mascara on Contact Lens Disinfection

 

 

 

 

Copyright © www.kidsprojects.info 2012 through 2014

Designed & Developed by Freddy