Once in a while, I happen to come across devices that point to healthcare and health consciousness, and one of those is the Personal Noise Dosimeter ER-200 from Etymotic Research. This is probably one of the most affordable and easy-to-use screening gadgets that deliver a good estimate on the noise dose, as well as alert the user within time regarding the risk of overexposure. As we can't have them all, mind that the ER-200, like many other non-specialized equipment, can't measure the risk of gunfire or other impulse noise accurately.

Included in the package, customers should find the ER-200 Personal Noise Dosimeter itself, a windscreen, three AAAA Alkaline batteries, the user guide and a reference card. Well, one might ask himself, or herself, why such a device is useful. Fact is, it is not useful for the wide majority, but more targeting the people that work on construction sites, sound engineers, and generally any environment with high sound pressure levels.

Hearing loss is one of my worst fears, even as a consumer, as this is one of the issues that affect millions of people throughout the world. Luckily, noise-induced hearing loss is mostly preventable, as long as it's not because of a loud flash bang or explosion. Sadly, most people don't have any idea how long they can (or may) listen to loud sound without entering the risk of hearing damage.

Sole exposures to noise will definitely not lead to hearing loss, but there is permanent damage that happens to the inner ears, which adds up in time. Daily noise dose is calculated by combining both intensity and amount of exposure time to the sound. 100% in noise dose means that the individual has reached the maximum noise exposure for the day and should rest. Indicators on the ER-200 point out when things get noisy and one needs hearing protection.


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