Custom Hearing Protection

Our  world is filled with noise; traffic, concerts, festivals, listening to  music through iPods at high volume and hobbies like recreational  shooting. Loud noise is particularly harmful to the  inner ear or cochlea. A one-time exposure to extreme loud sound or  listening to loud sounds for a long time can cause hearing loss. Loud  noise can damage cells and membranes in the cochlea. Listening to loud  noise for a long time can overwork hair cells in the ear, which can  cause these cells to die. The hearing loss progresses as long as the  exposure continues.

Both  the intensity and the duration of noise exposure determine the  potential for damage to the hair cells of the inner ear. Even sounds  perceived as “comfortably” loud can be harmful. Although,  the sensitivity of each individual is different, experts agree that a  safe limit is 85 dB and this should not exceed 4 hours/day. Noise levels  of 85 dB or more are unsafe. For example, people exposed to sound  exceeding 89 dB for more than 5 hours per week can suffer permanent  hearing damage over time. More and more young people are at risk of  noise-induced hearing loss because of the increasing use of headphones  to listen to music.  

High  levels of noise exposure usually come from occupational noise (such as  factories) or recreational noise (such as personal music players).  Musicians and motor sport enthusiasts are at high risk for developing  noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus. 

Unfortunately,  hearing damage is permanent and irreversible– which is why it is  crucial to protect your hearing and practice safe listening. We urge  people to be aware of the risks of excessive noise exposure and to  practice prevention. Occupational medical standards are necessary to  ensure that employees are fit to conduct safe and effective operations.  For hearing protection solutions to be effective, they should attenuate  noise to below 85 dB; have a good fit; be used correctly and maintained  in good working condition. 

Type of ear protection

Foam Plugs which expand in the ear to reduce external noise.  Unfortunately,  they also reduce the frequencies important for understanding speech and  wearers typically complain that voices sound muffled. 

Generic Fit Plugs such  as ER20 are designed to reduce sound levels evenly so that music and  speech are clear and natural, not muffled as with other earplugs.

Custom Plugs require an impression of the ear canal to be taken by the Audiologist. They are custom moulded to the shape of your ears, for a tight seal and comfortable fit. They reduce sound levels evenly across the frequency range without changing the sound quality as a result music and speech remain clear, but quieter and safer.

Custom-moulded Earplugs have been developed for a variety of purposes, including Personal (sleeping/ swimming), Music, Industrial and Recreational.

Motorcycle and noise Earplugs reduce wind, engine and road noise to help you hear important sounds. They are comfortable fit under your helmet. Also, they can be made compatible with mobile phones, and MP3 players.
 

Sleepsound Earplugs are suitable for people who have difficulty sleeping due either to their snoring partner or because of living in a noisy environment. They are specially designed for sleeping and can be worn comfortably within the ear all night. They reduce noise substantially while you are still able to hear the alarm clock and smoke alarm go off.
 

Musicians’ Earplugs are available with different levels of noise attenuation depending on what instrument you play and in which sort of situations.

Swimfit Earplugs have water-tight fit, are suitable for swimmer’s ear, children or adults who have grommets or perforations/hole in the eardrum and adults who have surfers’ ear (exostoses). 

At The Hearing Specialist, we offer many different options for custom hearing protection. If  you are or plan to be exposed to loud noises such as music, guns, power  tools, or motorcycles you should be wearing hearing protection. Contact  us to discuss the different options we have. If you have been exposed  to loud noise and concerned about your hearing, we can help you  determine if there has been any damage and make the appropriate  recommendation.