How To Know What Kind Of Hearing Protection To Use

It’s no secret that working in a loud environment can be damaging to your hearing. In fact, prolonged exposure to noise levels at or above 85 decibels (dBs) can cause permanent hearing loss. So, if you work in a noisy environment, it’s essential to take steps to protect your hearing. One way to do this is by using the right hearing protection for your sound environment needs. But with so many different types of hearing protection on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? This blog post will help you answer that question!

How to Know What Kind of Hearing Protection to Use

The first step in selecting the right hearing protection is determining what type of noise levels you’re exposed to. If you already know the decibel level of your work environment, great! If not, you may need to do some research or talk to your supervisor about getting a sound meter that can be used to measure and record noise levels over time.

Once you’ve determined the decibel level, it’s time to choose the right type of hearing protection device. Generally speaking, there are three main categories: earplugs, earmuffs, and helmet-mounted devices. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Earplugs are small, cone-shaped devices that are inserted into the ears. They are available in disposable and custom options and come in a range of styles, including foam, rubber and silicone. Earplugs reduce noise by up to 20dBs and can be reused multiple times if cared for properly. However, they can be difficult to insert correctly and the disposable kind may not fit some people’s ear shapes or sizes.
• Earmuffs are larger headphones that cover the entire ear. They provide a greater level of noise reduction (up to 30dBs) than earplugs but can be more expensive and uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time due to their bulkiness.
• Helmet-mounted devices are specially designed headphones that attach directly to a helmet or headband. These devices provide the highest level of noise reduction (up to 35dBs) but can be more expensive than earplugs or earmuffs.

In addition to selecting the right type of hearing protection, you should also consider other important features. For example, many devices come with special features, such as built-in microphones that allow you to communicate with others while still protecting your hearing. They may also have water resistance and adjustable volume control so you can adjust the sound level as needed.

Once you’ve determined what type and features of hearing protection device are best for your needs, it’s essential to make sure that they fit properly. Poorly fitting devices won’t provide adequate protection, so checking them regularly is important. Most hearing protection devices come with instructions on properly fitting and adjusting them for optimal noise reduction.

It’s also important to remember that hearing protection is not a one-time purchase. To ensure the best level of protection, you should replace your device every few months. Over time, earplugs and other soft materials can become worn down or develop holes which will reduce their effectiveness. Similarly, plastic pieces in helmet-mounted devices may become cracked over time and need to be replaced as well.

Why is it Important to Protect Your Hearing?

Hearing loss occurs when the tiny hair cells in your inner ear are damaged or die. This can be caused by exposure to loud noises and certain medications, but it is also a natural part of aging. To protect your hearing, it’s essential to prevent further damage by using hearing protection whenever exposed to high noise levels.

It’s crucial to point out that while we commonly associate high noise levels with activities like concerts or factory work, you can actually damage your hearing from listening to music too loud on your earbuds or even doing yardwork while not wearing proper protection.

In addition to hearing loss, tinnitus is a common occurrence when immersed in high-noise environments. Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in your ears that isn’t caused by outside noise. It can be permanent or temporary and may affect one ear or both ears. Exposure to loud noises can make tinnitus worse, so wearing hearing protection is essential if you already suffer from this condition.

Protecting your ears with hearing protection devices is important for safeguarding against hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear infections caused by loud noises. There are several types available on the market, so it’s essential to choose one that meets both your needs and budget. If you want to learn more, contact Hear More Medical Centers of America at (352) 877-9243.