Hearing Protection

Hearing protection comes in all shapes and sizes. From foam ear plugs to custom made hearing protection, you have a lot of options to protect your ears and safeguard your hearing. Millions of people work in dangerously loud environments or participate in noisy leisure activities like attending music concerts or sports events, or spending time on the shooting range.

Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is hearing loss caused by over exposure to dangerously loud sounds in the environment. If you’re not wearing hearing protection, these sounds can damage the delicate cells of the inner ear, and lead to tinnitus and permanent hearing loss. NIHL is completely preventable, which is why wearing hearing protection is so important.

Foam earplugs are the easiest and cheapest form of hearing protection and will save your hearing in a pinch. They can be easily purchased at a drug store or grocery store, weigh almost nothing, and can be carried around in your bag for moments when the environment gets a bit too loud. Foam earplugs are inserted into the ear canal, and block sounds from reaching the inner ear. However, foam earplugs are only effective if they’re inserted properly, and many people don’t wear their foam earplugs the right way. And while they do provide hearing protection, they aren’t designed to provide adequate protection in extremely loud environments.

Wax balls are becoming more popular as a form of hearing protection, and they create a seal over the ear canal. They mold to the outside of your ear canal with the heat of your hands and your ear, and can be very effective in protecting hearing. They’re a bit more expensive than foam earplugs, but can protect your hearing in a lot of situations.

An effective form of hearing protection that can be worn to reduce the impact of noise and protect your ears from noise induced hearing loss is a good pair of earmuffs. For heavy duty hearing protection, earmuffs will provide a sound barrier around the entire ear, and keep your hearing safe. They have a soft ear cushion inside a hard, outer shell, and are held together by a headband that can be adjusted for the best fit. They can be attached to your safety helmet, or worn independently, and will muffle all the sounds around you, providing excellent hearing protection. Earmuffs are also the best way to protect the hearing of your children, and ensure their ears are safe.

For those working in consistently loud environments, custom hearing protection that can be worn all day is the best for hearing protection and comfort. Custom hearing protection is easy to wear and won’t cause any pain or discomfort during long hours of wear. Not only that, but you’ll know that your hearing protection is fitting properly, and providing a good seal.

If you work in a job where loud and soft sounds alternate, digital hearing protection will provide the best in comfort and protection. The digital devices will sense the sounds in the environment, and only block out dangerously loud noises. If you’re speaking with coworkers, your hearing protection won’t block out sounds, and you’ll be able to hear perfectly. When a loud sound suddenly starts, you’ll have instant hearing protection, and won’t risk your hearing health.

Hearing protection designed for musicians are becoming more and more popular, as manufacturers realize the importance of clear hearing for musicians’ jobs, health, and wellbeing. This custom made, high-fidelity hearing protection will protect your ears during long periods of sustained high volumes, like during a rock concert or a loud passage in a symphony. However, when a solo begins, less hearing protection is needed, and over protecting could have a negative effect on the performance by muffling too much of the sound. High-fidelity hearing protection will provide the right amount of protection for the sounds around you, so as a performer you’ll be able to hear everything you need to, and still do the right thing for your hearing health.