Noise exposure is the most common cause of hearing loss, yet only eight percent of adults wear hearing protection consistently. That’s why we believe taking care of your hearing should feel like a natural part of your day. We offer a selection of products designed to block out excessive noise while keeping you connected to your environment. Whether you are navigating noisy city streets, watching your favorite live band or enjoying your hobbies, there is a hearing product for your needs.
Who Should Consider Hearing Protection?
We live in a noisy world, which means anyone can benefit from hearing protection. Things like lawnmowers, truck engines, motorcycles, garbage trucks, chainsaws, concerts, gunshots and jet engines are examples of sounds that can become dangerous with repeat exposure.
Hearing protection is especially important for people whose hobbies or workplaces regularly expose them to high-noise environments, such as construction workers, musicians, hunters and more. According to the US Department of Labor, nearly 18 million individuals are at risk for hearing loss from damaging noise levels at their jobs. Wearing hearing protection can help reduce loud sounds by 30 decibels, and prevent additional hearing health issues like tinnitus.
How Often Are You Exposed to Loud Sounds?
If you are regularly exposed to loud noise, whether due to your work or through hobbies such as shooting or music – you should be aware of the profoundly negative impact that loud exposure to noise can have on your hearing.
Exposure to an intense “impulse” of sound can cause what is referred to as a “noise induced hearing loss” and can lead to tinnitus – but continuous exposure to loud sounds over an extended period of time can also have the same consequences.
One of the solutions is to wear hearing protection to reduce the level of sound that your ears are exposed to.
There is a wide selection of hearing protection options on the market, from simple ear-plugs to custom-made digital electronic solutions purposely created by some of the world’s leading hearing care manufacturers.
How Do They Work?
‘Attenuation’ is the term that is used to describe the level in which hearing protection reduces the sound you’re exposed to – this is measured in decibels (dB) or through single simplified noise-level reduction (SNR).
Most industry-standard ear-plugs carry an SNR of around 30db, but each particular product will show their own level of attenuation depending on different frequencies, which is listed on the packaging.
One of the biggest problems with the SNR reading is that they are often measured in perfect testing environments with brand new hearing protection, not taking into account the real-life exposure to sound on regularly used devices. This calculation also allows a lot of room for error, since every ear canal is different.
What Options Are Available Over The Counter?
It’s important that you select the right earplugs to give yourself enough protection. Your choices should come down to two factors, whether you currently have a recognized hearing loss and how loud the sounds that you’re exposed to are.
At the very least, our recommendation as hearing specialists is to ensure that their SNR figure is at least 20dB and that the earplugs are designed for hearing protection.
That’s because, many over-the-counter earplugs that you’ll find in your local store are designed for activities such as swimming, to help sleep quality and reduce background noise – not to protect against excessive levels of noise.
Is ‘Custom Hearing Protection’ Right For Me?
Custom-made hearing protection solutions are designed and crafted solely for you, created to perfectly fit into your ear canal and protect your hearing against the activities or workplace environment where you’re exposed to sound.
The device is created by taking an impression of your ears, they’re then fitted with one of many different styles of filter.
These sophisticated filters can reduce noise at specific pitches for musicians or serve as in ear monitor devices, and some can even open and close to protect you against a sudden loud noise like shooting, while still allow you to have conversations between shots with your buddies.
They’re also long-lasting, more hygienic and easier to clean than many of the cheaper options on the market, resulting in them being the better solution over a sustained period of time.
How We Can Help?
If you would like to explore the range of custom hearing protection available to you, then your first step is to schedule an appointment.
We will be able to understand the levels of sound exposure that you’re hearing, demonstrate the selection of hearing protection available and answer any questions that you may have.
Our obligation is to help you protect your hearing because we know that if you don’t take the precautions today, then we’ll only end up seeing you several years down the line when your hearing has suffered.
Types of Hearing Protection Products
These days, hearing protection products are available in a wide variety of styles with different features and technology. Some popular styles include:
Hunting:
Hearing protection products for hunters are tailored for shooting and sudden noise. A filter closes instantaneously when damaging noise levels are detected. They allow for normal hearing levels up until the moment you shoot.
Music:
Music hearing protection allows for accurate sound at reduced levels, making it ideal for musicians, concertgoers, sports fans and anyone who regularly attends live events.
Motorsport:
Ideal for wearing under the helmet when riding, motorsport protection products feature a hollow canal to reduce wind buffeting.
Swimming or Surfing:
Water-specific hearing protection allows wearers to hear while keeping cold water and air out of the ear canal, protecting against swimmer’s ear. These devices float, ensuring they won’t get lost at sea!
Occupational:
Occupational hearing protection is utilized in high-noise workplaces like factories and construction sites. These devices are built for durability and provide dependable protection while keeping you aware of your surroundings.
Sleep:
Hearing products designed for sleep help block out unnecessary noise for uninterrupted rest. These devices are especially beneficial for those working non-traditional hours who sleep during the day.
Customized Options for Hearing Protection
While over-the-counter earplugs are options for last-minute protection, a customized solution may offer more comfort and utility depending on your needs. Custom earplugs and earmolds are molded to patients’ unique ear anatomy, ensuring a snug fit and optimal performance. They offer more security and peace of mind that your ears have the best possible protection against hearing loss.
Earplugs
Earplugs are hearing protection products designed to fit inside the ear canal. Specialized earplugs are available for musicians, hunters and construction workers who need the ability to hear their surroundings while mitigating noise damage. Specialty earplugs can be custom fit to your ear canal and are more comfortable than disposable options.
Earmolds
Earmolds are custom-made to fit the unique contour of your ear. If you cannot get a comfortable or secure fit with off-the-shelf earplugs, earmolds are an excellent option. Full-shell earmolds are generally used for high-level noise exposure, while half-shells address mid-level noise exposure. Some earmolds come with a filtered attenuator that makes communication easier while wearing the devices. This feature is popular with musicians and others who need to hear their surroundings while working in noisy environments.
If you would like to learn more about our personalized hearing protection solutions, schedule an appointment with one of our providers today.