Hearing Protection
Protecting Your Hearing in a Noisy World
Living in an environment filled with constant noise can significantly impact our hearing health, as everyday sounds can quickly reach harmful levels. Environmental noise, if not properly managed, poses a risk to your hearing over time. At Evear Hearing Clinic, we recognize the importance of hearing protection in today’s noisy world and provide tailored solutions to safeguard your hearing from potential damage caused by everyday sounds.
Types of Hearing Protection
Workplaces with CCOHS oversight require safety measures to protect workers from harmful noise levels, such as those found in environments with heavy machinery, which can reach up to 120 dB. For reference, exposure to sounds over 85 dB for extended periods can severely damage hearing. Earmuffs, earplugs, and earmoulds are effective forms of protection that reduce harmful noise without completely blocking important sounds that may be needed during work or other activities.
Custom Earmoulds and Earplugs
Custom-made earmoulds and earplugs offer a superior fit compared to generic options. The custom fit provides a more effective noise reduction rating (NRR), ensuring better isolation from harmful sounds. This personalized fit helps reach noise suppression levels that off-the-shelf products cannot provide. Since every individual’s ear is unique, sometimes different fits are needed for each ear. The enhanced comfort and effectiveness of custom protection are crucial in preventing both temporary and permanent hearing loss. For the best performance, custom protection is highly recommended.
Real-World Applications
For gun owners, the loud pop of gunfire serves as a reminder of the significant risks to hearing. Gunshots can reach up to 140 dB, which can cause immediate and irreversible damage if proper protection is not used.
In security and law enforcement, custom earmoulds are often used for both protection and communication. While these devices may appear bulky, they are designed for comfort and effectiveness. Custom earmoulds and earplugs are made to withstand environmental factors such as moisture, sweat, and wind, ensuring reliable protection in various conditions.
Can Hearing Aids Replace Hearing Protection?
Hearing aids and hearing protection serve distinct purposes and should not be considered interchangeable. A common misconception is that hearing aids provide complete protection from external noise. While some hearing aid models include features that offer limited noise suppression, their primary function is to amplify sound and enhance hearing. Hearing aids are not designed to protect against harmful noise levels. For optimal hearing health, it is recommended to use both hearing aids and appropriate hearing protection based on the situation, noise levels, and specific activities.