Properly placed earplugs can reduce sound by what amount?

Properly placed earplugs can indeed reduce sound levels by 10-20 dB. This range is significant because it can help protect against the potentially harmful noise levels commonly encountered in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) environments. The noise generated by MRI machines can reach levels of 100 dB or more, which can be uncomfortable or even damaging to hearing over time.

Using earplugs effectively reduces this volume, making the experience more comfortable for patients without completely isolating them from their surroundings. The 10-20 dB reduction achieved by earplugs strikes a balance between comfort and safety, ensuring patients are adequately protected while still able to communicate if necessary. Understanding the decibel reduction capabilities of earplugs is essential for maximizing patient safety and comfort in noisy clinical settings like MRI.