Hearing Protection
Our audiology services include hearing protection!
Although we are happy to work with you in treating hearing loss, we are also passionate about preventing hearing loss!
Exposure to noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss – and it’s preventable! Hearing loss caused by noise is called Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) and can happen when you overdo your daily noise “dose.” This can happen with a quick very loud noise (gunshots of fireworks) or a prolonged loud noise (power tools, gas powered lawn mowers, music). See the chart from the CDC below to get an idea of sound level and duration needed to meet or exceed your daily dose of noise.
Average Sound Exposure Levels Needed to Reach the Maximum Allowable Daily Dose of 100%
| Time to reach 100% noise dose | Exposure level per NIOSH REL |
| 8 hours | 85 dB(A) |
| 4 hours | 88 dB(A) |
| 2 hours | 91 dB(A) |
| 60 minutes | 94 dB(A) |
| 30 minutes | 97 dB(A) |
| 15 minutes | 100 dB(A) |
https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2016/02/08/noise/
If you are routinely exposed to loud noises, annual hearing tests are recommended to monitor hearing and make changes for any signs of hearing loss. Give us a call today to start protecting your hearing.
Jobs and Hobbies with Frequent Noise Exposure:
- Construction
- Carpenters
- Woodworkers
- Landscapers
- Truck Drivers
- Law Enforcement
- Pilots
- Hunting
- Recreational vehicles (motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles)
- Music***
- Musicians
- Stage Crew
- Listening to headphones at loud volumes
***The music industry is the only highly noise exposed industry that does not require hearing protection for workers.***
Symptoms of Noise Induced Hearing Loss:
- Difficulty hearing
- Ringing, buzzing, humming sounds in the ears (tinnitus)
- Decreased tolerance to sounds
- Distorted hearing
Hearing Protection Options:
Custom Ear Plugs
Musician Ear Plugs (different filters available)
Sleep Plugs
Industrial Ear Plugs
Swim Plugs
Digital/Active Noise Cancelation
In-Ear Monitors for Musicians
Non-custom ear plugs
Musician Ear Plugs (different filters available)
Traditional Foam Plugs
Over the earmuffs
Passive
Digital/Active Noise Cancelation