When you use ear protection, you can help prevent hearing loss, however, it is important to make sure you are using the right ear protection for your needs. If you want to protect your hearing, it is important for you to avoid loud environments and use ear protection when you need it.

What is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss affects people in different ways, with age-related and noise-induced hearing loss being the most common. This type of hearing loss often occurs when the cilia in the ear canal become damaged from prolonged exposure to loud sounds, although age can also be a contributing factor. While hearing loss is common, wearing proper ear protection, like earmuffs or earplugs, can minimize the risk. Earmuffs or earplugs can be effective ways to prevent hearing loss.

What are the Different Types of Ear Protection?

There are several types of ear protection, including recyclable earplugs, disposable earplugs, custom-made earplugs, sports-specific earplugs, earmuffs and noise-canceling headphones. Choosing the right type depends on your lifestyle and specific needs to ensure effective protection. Different types of ear protection work better in different settings; for example, disposable earplugs can be convenient for sleeping but may not be suitable for work or do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. Consulting an audiologist can help you find the most appropriate option for your environment and activities.

How Effective is Ear Protection?

Ear protection has been used for years to help preserve hearing, but choosing the right type for your needs is still essential. If you’re regularly exposed to noise levels over 70 decibels, your hearing may be at risk. Everyday machines like lawnmowers or trimmers can reach levels that could harm your hearing over time. Wearing earplugs can reduce sound, helping to bring loud noises down to safer levels. To find the best ear protection for your needs, it’s a good idea to consult with an audiologist. An audiologist will discuss your needs with you and the type of environment you are in. This will help them to find the best treatment for you.

Wearing Ear Protection

Ear protection only works well when worn correctly. If you remove it too soon, it won’t protect your hearing as intended. Be sure to wear your ear protection whenever you’re in a noisy area, and only take it off once you’ve left the loud environment or when machinery is fully switched off. After finding the right ear protection, consult with your audiologist to learn the proper ways to use it effectively. Always put your ear protection on before starting any equipment or entering a loud space to ensure maximum protection

If you have been exposed to continuous loud noise, it might be time to schedule an appointment with an audiologist. They will be able to assess your hearing needs, from this they will be able to discuss with you, your treatment options when working in a noisy environment. If you want to learn more about earplugs or earmuffs and which would be right for you, consult an audiologist.