When Should You Wear Ear Protection?

Hearing protection is important, especially if you’re frequently around loud noises. Surprisingly, everyday environments like your home or workplace can have devices and equipment that may damage your hearing over time. So, how do you know when it’s the right time to wear hearing protection?

Loud Environments at Work

Anyone who works in a loud environment where the sound levels get above a certain level of decibels on a regular basis, will need to wear ear protection like noise-canceling headphones, earplugs or earmuffs. This is because prolonged exposure to noise can lead to hearing loss gradually, over time. Appropriate hearing protection can lower the level of sound reaching your ears, lowering your risk to excessive noise. So, if you work construction or you’re a musician, for example, it’s always a good idea to use hearing protection.

If you are not sure which style of hearing protection will be right for you and the environment you are in, talk with your hearing health professional, they will help you choose the right style for you.

Enjoying Noisy Hobbies

Hobbies are meant to be fun and relaxing, but some of them come with a lot of noise. If you enjoy activities like playing in a band, going to shooting ranges or riding a motorcycle, your ears are exposed to potentially harmful noise levels. Musicians’ earplugs are a great option for those who want to protect their hearing while still enjoying high-quality sound. For shooting sports, earmuffs or specially designed earplugs provide the necessary protection against the sharp, loud sounds. And for motorcycle enthusiasts, earplugs can help reduce wind noise, which can be loud and cause damage over time if repeatedly exposed.

Everyday Activities at Home

Believe it or not, even everyday tasks at home can expose you to noise levels that may harm your hearing. Activities like mowing the lawn or using power tools can all contribute to hearing damage over time. Earplugs are a simple and effective solution for these situations. They’re easy to use and can help protect your ears while you go about your daily routines.

When to Make Ear Protection a Habit

If you find yourself regularly exposed to loud noises, it’s important to make ear protection a part of your routine. By wearing earplugs, earmuffs or noise-canceling headphones in situations where noise levels are high, you can protect your hearing and enjoy the sounds you love for years to come.

Types of Ear Protection

There are several different options when it comes to ear protection. Choosing the right type of ear protection depends on your specific needs:

• Earplugs are a great choice for many people because they are small, discreet and ideal for everything from using power tools to sleeping in a noisy place.
• Earmuffs are ideal for those situations where a higher level of hearing protection is required like environments with loud, continuous noise, like industrial settings or shooting ranges.
• Noise-canceling headphones are the perfect choice when you are dealing with constant background noise, allowing you to enjoy music or podcasts at safer volumes.

If you want to learn more about ear protection, schedule an appointment with a hearing health professional.