One of the most effective ways you can reduce your risk of developing hearing loss is by wearing hearing protection.

Impacting over 48 million people, hearing loss is the third most common medical condition that people experience today. Nearly 1 in 5 people have some degree of impaired hearing. A common cause of hearing loss is exposure to loud noise. We are constantly absorbing and processing various types of sounds at varying levels throughout the day. Did you know that 30 million people are exposed to hazardous levels of sound daily? Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 1 billion people globally are at high risk of developing noise induced hearing loss.

Noise induced hearing loss is a permanent, life-long condition. It is also important to know that it is totally preventable. Wearing hearing protection is an effective way you can protect your hearing health. Learning about custom hearing protection options can help you navigate your options and invest in protective wear that works for you.

Noise Induced Hearing Loss

One time or regular exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss. Noise induced hearing loss occurs when sensory cells in the inner ear are damaged. There are thousands of sensory cells in the cochlea which play a major role in how sound is absorbed and processed. These cells act as sensory receptors, receiving incoming sound waves and converting them into electrical signals. These signals are then sent to the brain to be further processed – this includes assigning meaning to signals which allows us to understand what we hear.

Sound is measured in units referred to as decibels (dB), and sound above 85dB is considered dangerous for hearing health. Excessive noise exposure can desensitize and weaken sensory cells, preventing them from effectively processing soundwaves. This results in the brain receiving less auditory information, causing chronic hearing loss. Unlike other types of cells we have, sensory cells in the inner ear do not regenerate. There are also no medical interventions that can repair or replenish these cells. This means that damage is irreversible, producing permanent noise induced hearing loss.

Occupational Hearing Hazards

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 24% of all cases of hearing loss are caused by occupational hearing hazards. Occupational hearing hazards are factors in the workplace that put hearing health at risk. The most common types of occupational hearing hazards are:

Loud noise: the workplace is a major way that people are exposed to loud noise. Over 22 million people are exposed to hazardous levels of noise at work.

Ototoxic chemicals: ototoxic chemicals are substances that can be harmful to hearing health. There are different types of ototoxic chemicals that are often used in a range of things like: fueling vehicles and aircrafts; furniture making; manufacturing metal, leather, and petroleum products; painting etc.
It is important to practice safety measures that mitigate potential harm caused by these factors. Custom hearing protection is a great way to protect your hearing health.

Custom Hearing Protection

There are different types of hearing protection. Examples include earplugs, earbuds, headphones, and earmuffs. These items provide a protective barrier for the ears which reduce the amount of sound waves that you absorb. Custom hearing protection is what experts recommend to best protect your hearing health from the impact of loud noise. There are different types of custom hearing protection options including:

Everyday earplugs: these are designed for everyday use in the environments you regularly move through as well as the activities you normally participate in. These earplugs generally help reduce noise levels and are particularly useful for sleeping, traveling, commuting, and other daily activities.

Earplugs for loud activities: these earplugs are designed to be worn when engaging in activities or being in spaces that have high noise levels. This includes if you work in a particularly noisy environment, are attending a convert, going to a sports arena etc.

Musicians’ earplugs: musicians can be up to four times more likely to experience hearing loss. These earplugs are specifically made to attenuate sound levels and deliver them safely.
Custom hearing protection offers a perfect and comfortable fit. This allows them to provide the maximum levels of protection. Another benefit of custom options is that they last for a few years which is more sustainable than disposable options which only offer one time use.

Contact us today to learn more about custom hearing protection and the options that are optimal for you.