At what decibel level should double hearing protection be worn?

Double hearing protection should be worn when the noise exposure level reaches 104 dB or higher. Within the context of occupational hearing conservation, exposure to such high decibel levels can lead to significant risk of hearing damage. Standard hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, might not provide sufficient attenuation in these noisy environments. Therefore, using two forms of protection—like combining earplugs and earmuffs—ensures that the risk of noise-induced hearing loss is minimized by providing an increased level of sound attenuation.

At decibel levels below 104 dB, while hearing protection is still necessary, single protection is often considered adequate as per most workplace guidelines. The specifics of when to implement double protection may vary based on organizational policies and regulatory requirements, but the general standard for double protection kicks in at 104 dB and above, making it crucial for maintaining hearing health in occupational settings.