3 Types of Hearing Protection

Yearly, millions of employees are exposed to hearing hazards. Despite regulations from NIOSH and OSHA on specific hearing protection, loss of hearing due to occupation is the leading cause of illness in the manufacturing industry. While the induced loss of hearing through the noise is irreversible, it is preventable.

The surest means to prevent permanent hearing loss is to reduce or eliminate the source of the noise. However, in circumstances where this is impossible, you need to wear the following hearing protectors:

Earplugs

Earplugs will be effective in providing the necessary hearing protection, when you have had loud noise exposure for some time. Whenever you are in a noisy environment like the industry or carrying out activities such as hunting and swimming, these elastic plugs or soft foam will block out extreme noise. There are many choices and a wide range of earplugs that a hearing health professional can recommend.

• Push-to-fit earplugs: These are soft foam and have a flexible stem. A hearing health professional will recommend these for workers who experience challenges inserting or rolling disposable foam earplugs. Also, you can insert them when your hands are dirty or in gloves.
• Reusable earplugs: These offer hearing protection in the long term because they are washable and can be reused multiple times. A hearing health professional will recommend them to people who perspire heavily or work in wet conditions as they do not absorb moisture.
• Disposable foam: They are the most popular hearing protection earplugs that conform to the shape of your ear canal. When properly worn, they will reduce most of the noise.

Earmuffs

These are among the easiest hearing protection devices to wear. You can adjust earmuffs to make them a reliable fit and give you a snug depending on your head and ear sizes. When you visit a hearing health professional, they will mainly recommend earmuffs because they are less complicated, and you can learn how to wear them correctly in a short time.

With proper cleaning, maintenance, and storage, you can reuse earmuffs and wear them for two to three years. They are excellent for employees because earmuffs are noticeable from a distance, hence easy to monitor. Also, they are easy to put on and take off when necessary.

Noise-canceling headphones

Noise can significantly reduce the quality of sleep; it can result from loud music from the neighbors, traffic, or a snoring pet. Headphones allow you to enjoy and lose yourself in the music, but they can also improve the quality of your sleep. This is especially true for noise-canceling headphones.

When you're making a purchase, don't just buy any type of headphones. Consider the kind of environment you live in and the noises that keep you awake. Ask for assistance from a hearing health professional if choosing the best headphones proves challenging.

Noise-canceling headphones were initially meant for airline pilots. However, you can use them to give you a better musical experience and provide hearing protection when you aren’t listening to anything.

Bottom Line

Noise is detrimental to your health, especially at extreme levels. You will come across noisy environments daily, in your workplace, at home, or in town when running errands. There is a lot of progress in noise control technology that allows you to carry out your daily activities without the worry of experiencing hearing loss. Ensure you seek assistance from a hearing health professional to select the perfect fit for your hearing protection device.