Choosing the Right Ear Protection

Finding the right ear protection is subjective, depending on some key factors. This includes your lifestyle, hobbies and your job. An audiologist will recommend different devices based on what you do and where you go. From work to hearing aids, here are some suggestions.

The Impact of Your Lifestyle

Your lifestyle, including hobbies and pastimes, can have a huge impact on your hearing. For instance, attending lots of music concerts can take its toll. In fact, anything above 70 decibels (dBs) is not recommended and can cause damage to your hearing over time. A motorcycle engine is over this. Sounds over 120 decibels can cause damage to your ears quickly. So hunting, for example, will require adequate hearing protection, or you risk damage from the gunshot.

What About Your Job?

Where you work or what you do for a living can also have a lasting impact on your hearing. Noisy environments such as industrial manufacturing plants and public places like restaurants and even concert halls can cause damage to your ears if you are not wearing hearing protection. This falls under workplace health and safety, and your employer is responsible for providing personal protective equipment because of this. And it depends on what you actually do.

Ear Protection Available

Different scenarios require different types of hearing protection for your ears. Busy public spaces may not seem risky, but the average restaurant noise is well over 70 decibels. There is no way to block all noise, but some devices reduce noise more than others for each situation. Some of the ear protection available include:

• Ear defenders: Defenders are the most effective solution when it comes to protecting your ears above 85 decibels.
• Earmuffs: Earmuffs help reduce abnormal ear bone growth caused by exposure to cold temperatures.
• Earplugs: Earplugs are excellent for blocking noise temporarily, such as when visiting a loud environment.

Hearing Aids and Protection

A major question often asked is whether hearing aids can provide protection. When you experience hearing loss, your audiologist will advise you on many things, including how to protect your ears. In short, yes, hearing aids can provide some degree of protection, but not all. However, it depends on the type of device you use. For example, an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid can provide some decibel protection.

Where You Can Get Help

There are many factors that can contribute to hearing damage. The activities you take part in and what you do for a living can all contribute. So, what can you do to limit your risk for hearing issues? Limiting your exposure to loud sounds and using the right hearing protection will help. Ask your employer for ear protection if you work in a loud space. Further to this, schedule an appointment with a local and reputable audiologist can help provide treatment and regular checkups moving forward.

Finding the right device to block sound or provide hazard protection is essential. Ear defenders, earmuffs, earplugs and hearing aids will provide noise reduction and protection from the cold to reduce external damage.