How to Communicate Effectively in a High-Noise Environment

Noise can affect your health and makes it hard to talk to your coworkers. Shouting at others or turning off machines is not always possible. Thus, finding practical ways to communicate in a noisy setting is crucial.

One helpful method is using noise reduction rating (NRR) devices that convey messages and protect your hearing. This article highlights how NRR can improve communication. It also covers other strategies that may help communicate in high-noise settings.

Use NRR Devices

Workers often wear NRR devices to protect their hearing from damage. Examples of these gadgets are headsets, earmuffs, and earplugs. But before highlighting how these devices can aid communication, an understanding of NRR is essential.

What Is NRR?

Noise reduction rating is the amount of noise a hearing protection device stops from reaching your ears. The ratings are usually in decibels or dBs.

The levels range from 10 dB to 33 dB. The higher the NRR level, the more effective the device is at canceling noise. Most hearing protection devices have EPA-sanctioned labels indicating how much noise they reduce.

How NRR Hearing Protection Devices Work

If you are in an environment producing 95 dBs of noise, a 10 dB earmuff or headset lowers the noise level to 85 dB. Federal agencies require that factories keep their noise levels below 95 dBs, as prolonged exposure to higher levels can cause permanent hearing loss. However, if your factory rating exceeds 95 dBs, higher-level hearing protection devices will work better.

Though lab tests determine device ratings, federal agencies advise users to decelerate the labels’ ratings. For instance, if you have a 30 dB headset, decelerate it by 7 dBs to get the actual dB reduction rate. Decelerating ensures you get the best protection for your hearing, even if the noise level exceeds the required amount.

Communicating Through NRR Devices

Some tweaked hearing protection devices have relay messages. For example, some headsets have conference call abilities without compromising hearing protection.

They allow coworkers to communicate with each other without removing the headsets. With these sets, you can relay important messages regardless of noise levels.

Without NRR devices, you can use the strategies below to relay a message in a noisy environment.

Invest in a PA System

A PA system is an excellent way to get your message across the warehouse floor despite the noise. In addition, a PA system will allow you to broadcast messages in one swoop across several buildings.

It is also handy in an emergency situation as it relays messages instantly. Besides talking announcements, PA systems can broadcast emergency sounds like sirens.

Current PA systems also provide two-way communication. Thus, if your announcement requires feedback, it can be provided via the speakers. This setup is ideal for instant interdepartmental communication.

While PA systems get above the noise, loud announcements can contribute to high noise levels. Besides, PA systems are ineffective for hearing-impaired employees. Workers wearing high-level NRR devices may also miss PA announcements.

Use Visual Cues

Visual signals or cues can relay an urgent message in a noisy environment. However, employees need to agree on a set of signals and meanings. For instance, if production needs to stop for some reason, the neck slash signal can tell workers to stop.

This form of communication is effective as it can send a message to many people.

However, visual cues need a person’s attention for the message to be received. For instance, if the intended audience is busy, it may take a tap on the shoulder for them to pay attention. Tapping multiple people takes time that you may not have.

Display Written Messages on Visual Boards

Writing your message on a board eliminates the need for talking. The text can be handwritten on a white or chalkboard. A billboard can also display key information.

The message can be displayed for as long as necessary. There are also very limited chances of misinterpretation.

Unfortunately, you would need to alert the receivers of the presence of a message. But once informed, the receiver will read the message without removing their hearing protection device. Display boards are also not handy for emergency alerts as it takes time to compose and display the message.

Send Digital Communication

Sending texts, emails, or pages is a noise-free way to talk to people in a noisy factory. Unlike specialty headsets, most people have a mobile phone to which the message can be sent.

Emails and pages can also be used to communicate new information to people. Unlike visual cues or boards, digital messages can be sent to several departments companywide.

Digital messaging can distract floor workers as they need to look at their screens. The interruption to their work can also impact productivity.

Furthermore, workers may ignore the ping of a phone as they focus on work. Dedicated pagers may be more effective for sending crucial messages.

Create a Communications Funnel

A communication funnel can get the right message to the right ears. For instance, a company wide message can be relayed through one worker from each department. With a proper hierarchy, the message will go through different branches and reach the intended audience intact.

Engage in Long-Term Noise Reduction Practices

Federal agencies require factories to keep their noise levels at 95 dB and below. But with a few measures, noise levels can get even lower, eliminating the need for noise-proof communication. For instance, dampers or rubber grommets can silence rattling machinery. Additional silencing equipment can also be used for machines that are the noisiest.

Regular maintenance of equipment is also helpful in noise reduction. Worn-out or faulty machine parts tend to be noisier. With periodic maintenance, faulty parts can be prepared, thus limiting noise emissions. These repairs can also prolong the life of factory equipment.

Once the ambient noise is low enough, it may be easier to communicate through any preferred method of choice.

Noise and manufacturing go hand in hand. It is practically impossible to silence a factory. Thus, communication methods that rise above the noise are necessary. NRR devices, display boards, digital messages, and visual cues circumvent plant noise.

While PA systems get the message across, they may contribute to the noise and push it beyond the 95 dB threshold.

Besides finding alternative methods to communicate, it may be helpful to limit the noise generated by the equipment. Doing so may make some of the above measures unnecessary.