How To Prevent Hearing Loss?
We are exposed to sound on a daily basis. Volume levels vary considerably, and can easily exceed 85 decibels (dB) – the threshold
that is considered safe. Any prolonged exposure to noise exceeding this is harmful and can cause permanent, irreversible hearing
loss. Excess noise exposure isn’t the only cause of hearing damage. Diseases, drugs and injury may all contribute to hearing loss.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your hearing and help prevent hearing impairment.
Hearing loss from exposure to loud sounds is painless, progressive and permanent. The good news is through protection and limiting
your exposure to loud sound levels, you can prevent hearing damage.
Hearing damage has been noted to occur when sounds exceed 85 decibels (dB). When dealing with noises over this range it is
important to protect your ears with the use of ear protection. It is recommended to use ear protection while being around the following
noises.
- Motorcycles, hair dryers, lawn mowers and leaf blowers (85-100dB)
- Wood shops, chainsaws, small firecrackers (100-110dB)
- Rock concerts (100-120dB)
- Ambulance sirens, jet engines at close range (119-140dB)
- Voices suddenly sound muffled and are hard to understand.
- You experience ringing, buzzing or fluttering in one or both ears (otherwise known as tinnitus).
- Your ears hurt after being in a loud place.
- Your hearing is suddenly super sensitive to noise.
If you notice the following symptoms after exposure to loud sounds, you may be over-exposed and could potentially be causing long-term damage:
Hearing Protection
Your ears connect you to a world of sound. Exposed to too much of it, they can be damaged. Just as we use sunglasses to protect our eyes, we can use products to protect our ears. We want you to be informed about protecting your ears and your own hearing status, so we offer a complimentary hearing screening with every hearing protection consult.
Who Should Use Hearing Protection?
In our ever-increasingly noisy world, the short answer is: everyone! However, hearing protection is especially important for:
- Bartenders and club workers
- Concert-goers
- DJs and Musicians
- Hunters
- Industrial workers
- Motorsport enthusiasts
- Salon stylists
- Sporting event attendees
- Children and adults with a history of middle ear surgery, including placement of tubes
- Patients with chronic ear infections
- Swimmers and Surfers
Some of us need to protect our ears not just from noise, but from water as well! The cold water of the Pacific Ocean, for example, can cause bony growths to sprout in the ear canal which can interfere with hearing. Others with a history of ear surgery need to stay dry. Custom products create a seal to keep the water out for:
Your Hearing Protection Consult
There are so many options for hearing protection - styles, colours, noise reduction ratings, and costs. During your 30-minute hearing protection consult, we screen your hearing so you know your hearing status and have a baseline for the future. We discuss your needs, the types of environments you are in, and what you hope to gain from hearing protection. We then find the best solution for you. Depending on the results of the screening, we may also recommend a full audiologic evaluation (diagnostic hearing test).
Form Of Ear Protection
There are many different forms of ear protection.
Foam Earplugs:
This form of ear protection is disposable and expands to fit in your ear canal. Foam plugs will reduce all sounds to some extent, and are great for reducing higher pitched sounds. These earplugs are inexpensive and available at your local drugstore.
Pre-Moulded Earplugs:
Made from plastic, silicone or rubber, these reusable earplugs are used for more evenly reduced sounds. They are also created for work environments that are dirty or dusty because there is no need to mould them with your hands. These earplugs are available in multiple sizes to accommodate all ear canal sizes. When inserted properly they should fit in a way that completely seals the ear canal. Pre-moulded plugs are inexpensive and available over the counter.
Custom-Moulded Earplugs:
These earplugs are created to fit the individual shape of your ear canal. Custom moulds are extremely comfortable, and reduce the sound equally across high and low spectrums, making this earplug ideal for musicians and concertgoers. You may have custom-moulded earplugs ordered by scheduling an appointment at one of our offices.
Earmuffs:
This type of ear protection creates an acoustic seal around the outer ear through a solid shell. Earmuffs are perfect for people who use ear protection often. A downfall to this type of protection can be the heaviness and bulkiness. Earmuffs may be purchased online or in a sporting good store.
Universal Fit Vs. Custom Fit
Universal fit hearing protection is a one-size-fits-most solution, while custom fit hearing protection is made just for you. The general rule is that custom products create a better seal and therefore better protection from noise and water.