Eli5: Why do earplugs max out at 33db of noise cancelling?
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It’s mostly because the decibel scale is logarithmic meaning each step is larger than the one before. For that specific scale 20db is 10 times louder than 10db. 30db is 10 times louder than 20, etc. So earplugs that cancel out 33db are over ten times more effective than the standard rated ones, and going up one more dB is even harder than 32-33.
Also the goal with earplugs is to take dangerous levels of sound down to safe levels (under 100 usually). 120db is using a jackhammer. 130 is standing right next to a jet engine on takeoff and will burst your eardrum.
There’s also the fact that you can only fit so much into your ear. Due to this, extremely loud workplaces/environments like gun ranges or aircraft carriers call for double-protection (plugs and over-ear
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