What is SNR In Noise Reduction? Earplugs Explained
| Reuben Howe
Even the simplest tech has that one piece of jargon plastered all over the title and descriptions. Noise reduction earplugs are no exception, with the noise cancellation level often portrayed as "SNR" in dB. But what is SNR, why does it matter to ear plugs, and what is the best dB for noise reduction? Find out here!
What does SNR stand for?
When you see SNR used to describe noise reduction or earplugs, it stands for "Single Number Rating".
Important: SNR is also used when talking about Bluetooth headphones with microphones inside. In this case, the speakers have a "Signal to Noise Ratio" or "SNR". This is not the same SNR as the earplug one!
Essentially, SNR is a measure of how much quieter the earplugs make sounds around you as a flat, single number.
For example, an aeroplane engine whilst inside the plane averages around 80dB (Decibels), and earplugs with an SNR of 25 would reduce the apparent loudness of the sound to 55dB. 80 decibels reach your ear, 25 are reduced by the earplugs, leaving 55 (80 - 25).
What is a Good SNR for Earplugs?
As SNR is a flat, pre-defined amount of reduction (rather than a percentage or ratio) the effectiveness is dependent on the noise being reduced.
If you reduce a 30dB sound by 25dB you only hear 5db. A reduction of 85%!
If you reduce an 80dB sound by 25dB you hear 55dB. A reduction of 32%.
The same SNR can seemingly eliminate some sounds while barely affecting others. What this means is that louder sounds are reduced by the same amount of dB, but that this has decreased efficiency than quieter sounds.
The majority of earplugs are designed to reduce noise safely, and will have between 20dB and 35dB of SNR rating.
This is because smaller sounds are often still vital to have on your auditory radar, rather than blocked out entirely, when using earplugs. Blocking all lower-volume sounds could be dangerous.
An SNR of 25 allows you to almost entirely cancel out smaller sounds such as desk fans and distant chatter, but simply reduce larger sounds like aeroplane engines and air conditioning units to more manageable and less distracting levels.
Remember to wear your earplugs correctly an safely using this guide, as your effecting SNR may be reduced when using the wrong size or type of earplugs!
What is the SNR of EAR530?
The newly-released EAR530 silicone loop earplugs with removable noise-reduction disc are rated with 25 SNR. This means our examples above are accurate to a pair of EAR530s.
Worried about the safety of in-ear buds? Read the safety and usage guide here.
I hope this brief explanation of SNR helps break down some jargon and technical terminology for you, so you can really understand what these devices do differently!
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