According to the The National Campaign for Better Hearing, noise-induced hearing loss is more common than one imagine.
There is no cure for permanent hearing loss. One of the most obvious “treatments” for NIHL is avoiding exposure to loud noise. Hearing loss is rarely painful and the symptoms are usually vague feelings of pressure or fullness in the ears and may go away minutes, hours or days after the exposure to noise ends. Many people assume that if the symptoms go away, their ears have “bounced back” to normal and don’t realize that hearing loss accumulates over a lifetime. Source: campaignforbetterhearing.us
This is especially true when vacuuming carpeted areas where the noise level may cause people to become a target for hearing loss. Some mufflers can reduce the decibel level up to 6dB.
Hearing loss from loud noises may happen right away or slowly over a period of years. It may be permanent or temporary. Source: (hopkinsmedicine.org)
With that in mind, when buying a noise-absorbing device for your central vacuum system , it is important to know that there are two types of mufflers: passive and active. Passive mufflers use the air flow through them to absorb sound waves. Active mufflers have an electric fan or blower inside which creates airflow in order to reduce the amount of sound waves being produced by the machine.
The best way to determine if you need an active or passive muffler is to look at the manufacturer’s instructions. If they say “use this with an active muffler,” then you will want to purchase one.
The mufflers can be made of metal, plastic, fiberglass, or other materials. The type of material used depends on what kind of sound reduction you desire. Metal and plastic mufflers are typically more expensive than their fiberglass counterparts. However, they last longer, since they do not corrode as easily.
There is a variety of mufflers and silencers available on the market today. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. You should always consult your local hardware store before making any purchases. They will be able to help you find the right product for your needs.
The universal muffler is designed to fit most vacuum cleaners without having to make modifications. These units are usually less expensive than custom-made ones. They also tend to work better because they are easier to install.
Another advantage of these mufflers is that they are easy to clean. Simply remove the cover, rinse off the parts, and let dry. To ensure that the parts stay clean, you may want to put some silicone spray on the rubber gaskets.
A final benefit of these mufflers is their ability to withstand extreme temperatures. Most models are rated to operate in both cold and hot weather conditions.
Most mufflers use acoustic foam to lower the sound level. Acoustic foam absorbs sound waves rather than reflecting them back into the room. This type of muffler is ideal for homes with hardwood floors, tile, or stone. It is also effective for removing moisture and odors from the air.
If you live in a humid climate, you might consider purchasing a water-repellent muffler. Water-repellent mufflers are designed to keep the air dry so that dust and dirt particles cannot collect and clog the filters.
Some manufacturers offer multiple options for their products. For example, the HEPA exhaust filter can be purchased separately. This allows you to choose the size and shape that works best for your particular situation.
You can also buy different styles of mufflers depending on whether you want to muffle the high-frequency sounds of the motor or the low-frequency sounds of the suction unit.
When shopping for a central vacuum muffler noise reduction , remember that the higher the quality, the more it will cost. A good rule of thumb is to spend about 10% of the total price of your vacuum cleaner on the muffler.
