How Can You Tell if You Need Ear Protection

Prevention is better than cure, as they say regarding hearing loss. The best way to protect your hearing is to use hearing protection in the vicinity of louder-than-usual sounds. Exposure to excessive noise levels over a prolonged period can cause damage to your hearing and neglecting to use appropriate hearing protection can leave your ears and hearing at risk. To judge this, normal conversation is 60 decibels (dBs) and hearing protection should be worn once noise levels exceed 85dBs.

Hearing protection comes in different forms, from over-the-counter earplugs to custom-fitted hearing protection, earmuffs and buds. But when should you be using hearing protection? Read on to find out more.

You Work in a Loud Environment

Suppose you work in a noisy environment such as a construction site, concert hall, around music or traffic or in an airfield, for example. In that case, you will be subjected to extreme noise levels almost daily. A jet takeoff at an airport can reach or exceed 150dBs, which can cause your eardrum to rupture. Music concerts come in between 90-120sdB on average. If you work in these industries wearing hearing protection is a must.

Your Ears Feel Sore

Your ears are sensitive and have many different parts that need to work together to allow you to hear. Any signs of discomfort or pain from higher sound levels are cause for concern and should be checked out by your audiologist. If your ears start to hurt in noisy environments, consider purchasing earplugs or muffs when in these situations.

You Have to Shout to Be Heard

As mentioned above, normal conversation levels are typically around 60dBs. If you find you are shouting to be heard, chances are noise levels have risen above this, and it can mean you might be exposing your ears to damage from sounds over the recommended noise levels.

If you find yourself shouting at work, to be heard over machinery, for example, traffic or large, loud groups of people, looking into custom earplugs can be a discreet way to protect your hearing without

You Experience Ringing in Your Ears

Do you find your ears ringing after getting home from different situations or even just being around normal conversation levels? Tinnitus is a common condition that affects many people, and in some cases, it can be expected in those experiencing permanent hearing loss.

Tinnitus can be a ringing, buzzing, throbbing or whooshing sound in your ears that won’t stop or may come and go. It can be highly distressing and interfere with your lifestyle. Tinnitus should be taken seriously if it occurs regularly, as it is a form of hearing loss.

If you are concerned you might be experiencing hearing loss, even just a slight loss, talk to your audiologist about how hearing aids can help you to regain some or all of your hearing. Audiologists can also advise you on the best type of hearing protection to avoid damage and protect your ears and hearing.