You’ve heard about noise-induced hearing loss and you know you should protect your ears around noises that are too loud.
But how loud is too loud?
The recognized limit for safe hearing is 80 decibels. That can be reached by a hairdryer, blender, car horn, or scores of other sounds we hear in our daily lives.
Since potentially damaging noises are everywhere, the only way to consistently avoid them is with hearing protection. Products like custom ear molds and sound plugs can help protect your hearing when you can’t avoid the noises around you.
At Harbor Audiology, we stock a selection of hearing protection for our customers in the Gig Harbor, Tacoma, Port Orchard, Lake Wood, and Puyallup, Washington areas. Here are the hearing protection products we offer:
- Swim Molds –
These are designed to keep your ears dry while you’re in the pool, lake, or ocean and prevent swimmer’s ear, an infection of the outer ear canal common to swimmers. - Custom Ear Molds –
Custom ear molds are hearing protection designed specifically for you. They fit the shape of your ear perfectly and can be worn whenever you might encounter loud noises. - Sound Plugs –
Sound plugs block noises but are not made specifically to fit your ear. - Musician Plugs –
Musician’s ear plugs are designed to decrease volume while still allowing you to hear the music clearly, so you can protect your ears from damage and still know you’re playing at your best.
Get in Touch
Protect your hearing now so you can continue to hear the world around you later. Contact Harbor Audiology, serving the areas of Gig Harbor, Port Angeles, Sequim, Silverdale, Federal Way and Tacoma, Washington, today. We’ll be happy to help you find the right kind of hearing protection for you.
What is hearing protection, and why is it important?
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- Hearing protection refers to devices or measures used to reduce exposure to loud noise, preventing potential hearing damage or loss. It is important because prolonged exposure to loud sounds can lead to permanent hearing impairment.
What are the different types of hearing protection devices?
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- There are various types of hearing protection devices, including earplugs, earmuffs, noise-cancelling headphones, and custom-molded earplugs. Each type is designed for specific situations and noise levels, providing varying degrees of protection.
How do I choose the right hearing protection for my needs?
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- The choice of hearing protection depends on the noise level and your specific situation. For loud environments like construction sites, earmuffs or industrial-grade earplugs may be suitable. In quieter settings or for musicians, specialized musician’s earplugs that attenuate sound evenly across frequencies may be a better choice.
Can hearing protection be used in recreational activities like concerts and shooting sports?
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- Yes, hearing protection is essential in recreational activities where loud sounds are present. Musicians and concertgoers can use high-fidelity earplugs to protect their hearing without sacrificing sound quality. For shooting sports, earmuffs or custom-molded plugs are often recommended.
How do I know if I have chosen the right hearing protection and if it’s fitted correctly?
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- The effectiveness of hearing protection depends on a proper fit. If you’re unsure, consult with an audiologist or hearing protection specialist to ensure a good fit. You can check if the protection is working by being aware of your surroundings; if you can comfortably converse with others and the noise is muffled but not painful, it’s likely fitted correctly.
Hearing protection is a crucial aspect of preserving your long-term hearing health, especially in noisy environments or during activities with potential for high noise exposure. It’s important to choose the right protection for your specific needs and ensure it is worn correctly to be effective.