What does SNR stand for?

<p>SNR 26 dB, SNR 36 dB, SNR 31 dB – these figures are always shown on our packaging. But what does SNR actually mean?</p>
<p>SNR, or Single Number Rating, is a measure often used to gauge how much noise a hearing protector attenuates at different sound levels. The SNR can therefore quickly give you an idea of how much protection you will get from your earplugs. When choosing your earplugs, it may therefore be helpful to consider when you will mainly be using them. Is it for a good night’s sleep? At summer concerts? Or perhaps at work? A high SNR value often means better protection, with greater noise reduction.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>SNR is expressed in dB, and some typical values are:</strong><br />
15–20 dB = slight attenuation<br />
20–30 dB = normal/high attenuation<br />
30+ = very high attenuation</p>
<h2>Add HML</h2>
<p>If you’d like to gain a deeper understanding of how your earplugs protect your hearing, you might also want to take a look at the HML values:<br />
H: High-frequency noise<br />
M: Mid-frequency noise<br />
L: Low-frequency noise</p>
<p>HML therefore explains how your earplugs work across different frequency ranges.</p>
<h2>More than just SNR and HML</h2>
<p>However, when choosing the earplugs that suit you best, there are more factors to consider than just SNR and HML. For the best possible protection, you should also take the following into account:</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>Noise level</li>
<li>Type of noise</li>
<li>How long you plan to use the earplugs</li>
<li>Comfort</li>
<li>Disposable or reusable earplugs</li>
</ul>