4 Fast Facts About Hearing Protection

Protecting your hearing is important, though it’s something many people overlook until they start having problems. There are many situations in everyday life that can cause issues with your hearing. That’s why it’s important to take steps to protect your hearing to prevent potential issues. Here are four quick facts about hearing protection to help you take better care of your ears.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) Can be Prevented with Hearing Protection

Noise-induced hearing loss is a common form of hearing loss. However, in most cases, it is preventable if the correct hearing protection is worn. As noise-induced hearing loss is caused by exposure to loud noises, it can impact people of all ages, including children. Noise-induced hearing loss can be acute, appearing immediately after exposure to a loud noise, and can last permanently. Ensuring that hearing protection is worn when exposure to loud noise is possible is essential.

Provides Effective Noise Reduction

Hearing protection is designed to reduce the amount of noise that reaches your ears, helping to prevent hearing loss. Earplugs and earmuffs are made to block out or lower the volume of loud sounds. When you wear these devices, they create a barrier that absorbs or reflects the noise, so you hear less of it. This is especially important in noisy environments, like concerts or construction sites, where loud sounds can be harmful to your hearing.

Hearing Protection Should be Worn When Exposed to Noises Above 85 Decibels

Knowing when to wear hearing protection is essential to protect your hearing. It is advisable to wear hearing protection in any situation that exposes you to noise above 85 decibels. This is the equivalent of being exposed to noise from power tools or loud traffic. Wearing hearing protection consistently when exposed to noise above 85 decibels help to prevent hearing loss and symptoms of tinnitus. High levels of noise are especially common for workers in industries that use heavy machinery, tools and guns.

It is Never Too Late to Begin Using Hearing Protection

It’s never too late to start wearing hearing protection to protect your ears. Whether you’re just beginning to notice hearing issues or have been exposed to loud noises for years, wearing earplugs or earmuffs can still make a difference. Protecting your ears now can help prevent further damage and preserve your hearing for the future.

Wearing appropriate hearing protection can help to protect your current level of hearing. Hearing protection comes in many forms; noise-canceling headphones, earmuffs, earplugs and custom-molded earplugs that allow you to hear conversations without exposing your hearing to potential damage.

Protecting your hearing is always vital when exposure to loud noise is possible. So, choosing the best hearing protection for your needs is essential. Your audiologist will be able to advise you on the best hearing protection for your environment and help to prevent damage to your hearing. If you want to learn more about hearing protection or how they can help you in noisy situations, schedule an appointment with an audiologist.