What Is a Decibel?

Sound is measured in decibels (dB). The important thing to know is that decibels are logarithmic rather than linear. That means a small increase in dB is actually a big jump in sound energy. As a rough guide, every 3 dB increase doubles the sound energy hitting your ears.

So a tool running at 100 dB is not just slightly louder than one at 97 dB – it’s roughly twice as intense. This is why noise that seems only “a bit louder” can be much more harmful over time.

What Does SNR Mean?

SNR stands for Single Number Rating. It gives you a simple way to compare how much protection different products provide. The SNR tells you the approximate average reduction in noise level across a range of frequencies when the product is fitted correctly.

For example:

• Noise level: 100 dB, Hearing protection: SNR 20 → effective level around 80 dB
• Noise level: 100 dB, Hearing protection: SNR 30 → effective level around 70 dB

This isn’t exact, because the real-world result depends on fit, the shape of your ears, and the type of noise. But it’s a useful guide for comparing products and choosing something suitable for your activity.

Different Types of Protection, Different Performance

Not all hearing protection works in the same way, and SNR doesn’t tell the whole story on its own. Different products perform better at certain frequencies:

• Ear defenders (like our bright yellow DIY-style defenders) are often very good at blocking low and mid-frequency noise from machinery and engines.
• Foam and silicone earplugs may be particularly effective at higher frequencies, which are important for speech clarity and many industrial sounds.
• Impulse-filtering earplugs are designed for sudden peaks, such as gunshots, and use specialist filters to reduce those sharp blasts without blocking everything else.
• Electronic ear defenders don’t rely on SNR alone – they actively amplify quiet sounds and cut loud peaks, making them ideal for shooting and outdoor use.

Because of this, it’s always worth thinking about the type of noise you’re dealing with, not just the number on the box.

Can You Have Too Much Protection?

More is not always better. In some situations, using very high-attenuation protection can make it hard to hear important sounds, such as alarms, vehicles, or spoken instructions. This can create safety issues of its own.

For example, a tradesperson using powerful tools may be better with medium- to high-SNR ear defenders, while someone working around moving vehicles or on a busy site might prefer a slightly lower SNR or filtered plugs, so they can still hear what’s going on around them.

The goal is to bring noise down to a safer, more comfortable level, not to block everything completely.

Using SNR to Choose the Right Product

When you’re comparing hearing protection, use SNR as a simple guide:

• Light protection (SNR ~15–20) – good for sleep, travel, and lower-level noise where comfort and awareness are important.
• Medium protection (SNR ~20–25) – suitable for many DIY tasks, gardening machinery, and loud venues.
• High protection (SNR 25+) – often used for industrial environments, louder power tools, and as part of shooting protection.

Our range covers the full spectrum – from soft silicone plugs aimed at comfort and sleep, through to higher-rated ear defenders and impulse plugs designed for louder tasks and shooting.

Fit Matters as Much as the Number

Finally, even the best-rated product won’t perform properly if it doesn’t fit well. Ear defenders need a good seal all the way around the ear, and earplugs must be inserted or moulded correctly. A slightly lower SNR product that you wear comfortably and consistently will usually protect you better than a higher-rated one that you rarely use.