Do You Need Hearing Protection

Many individuals think hearing loss only happens as you age, but loud noises can also cause it. Whether you’re at a concert, using a lawnmower or working at a construction site, you could be exposing your ears to sounds that can permanently harm your hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is directly caused by exposure to loud noises. This type of hearing loss effects millions of people of all ages around the world.

Knowing when noise is at an acceptable level and when it is too loud can be challenging. This can make it difficult to know when hearing protection is needed and when you can go without.

Understanding when to wear hearing protection is essential. It only takes a single exposure to excessive noise to permanently damage your hearing. Wearing hearing protection in the form of noise-canceling headphones, earmuffs or earplugs is such a simple thing to do, yet it can play a crucial role in protecting your hearing. An audiologists will guide you in choosing the right hearing protection for you.

Excessive Noise Levels

Exposure to excessive noise puts your hearing at risk, but how loud is too loud? As a general rule, hearing protection is recommended when people are exposed to noise in excess of 85 decibels (dBs). Continued exposure to noise louder than 85dBs can cause hearing to become gradually damaged. Hearing protection should also be worn when there is a risk of sudden noises in excess of this. Even a sudden, on-off noise, such as a gunshot, can cause harm to your hearing.

Hearing Protection in the Work Environment

Companies have a duty to protect their employees from potential hearing loss. Some businesses operate in noisy environments, especially those that use heavy machinery and tools. However, by law, companies must take steps to minimize noise levels and to provide their employees with protection against exposure to excessive noise.

Manufacturing industries, construction, mining, carpentry and employees working in the music industry are especially vulnerable to noise-induced hearing loss. For these workers, adequate hearing protection should be provided. If not, schedule an appointment with an audiologist, they can provide you with the right protection for you.

Leisure Activities That Require Hearing Protection

Companies may have a duty to measure noise levels and provide hearing protection in the workplace. However, as an individual, you also need to take steps to protect your own hearing. Some leisure activities require wearing hearing protection. These include being exposed to loud music at concerts, noise from engines for people who ride motorcycles or attend motorsports events and gunshot noise for those who shoot and hunt in their spare time. Using the correct hearing protection will enable you to continue doing what you enjoy without putting your hearing at risk.

If you are looking for advice on protecting your hearing, or you are concerned about noise-induced hearing loss, it is best to speak to an audiologist. An audiologist will be able to advise you on how to better protect your hearing, as well as test your existing hearing ability.