When it comes to hearing protection concerns, we are exposed to sound daily. Volume levels vary considerably, and can easily exceed 85 decibels (dB) – the threshold that is considered safe. Any prolonged exposure to noise exceeding this is harmful and can cause permanent, irreversible hearing loss.
Excess noise exposure isn’t the only cause of hearing damage. Diseases, drugs, and injury may all contribute to hearing loss. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your hearing and help prevent hearing impairment.
Protecting Your Hearing from Loud Noise
Noise-induced hearing loss is the second most common cause of hearing loss in the U.S. The good news? It is easily preventable. Follow these tips to protect your hearing:
- Wear hearing protection when exposed to loud noise. Earplugs are a must in noisy environments such as rock concerts and sporting events. They should also be worn when riding a motorcycle or snowmobile, mowing the lawn, using power tools, etc. If your job exposes you to loud noise, your employer is required by OSHA to supply hearing protection.
- Turn down the volume. When listening to music or watching television, keep the volume low.
- Limit the number of noisy appliances running at the same time.
- Buy quieter products. Many appliances list dB ratings in their specifications.
Preventing Hearing Loss from Diseases
Some diseases can cause hearing loss. Viruses that might damage hearing include measles, mumps, whooping cough and rubella. Bacterial diseases such as meningitis and syphilis can also lead to hearing damage. Acoustic neuroma – tumors on the hearing nerve (usually benign) – may contribute to hearing loss. Tips for preventing hearing loss from disease include:
- Make sure your child is vaccinated. Immunizations offer protection from many childhood infections that can cause hearing damage.
- If you are sexually active, use protection to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, some of which can cause hearing loss.
- Don’t delay seeking medical attention should you fall ill.
Protection from Ototoxic Drugs
Some drugs cause damage to the sensory cells responsible for hearing. These include certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, salicylate pain relievers (e.g., aspirin), quinine (for treating malaria) and diuretics. In order to reduce your odds of hearing loss when taking medications, follow these tips:
- Take medications only as directed.
- If you experience symptoms of hearing loss such as tinnitus while taking new drugs, see your doctor immediately.
Preventing Ear Injuries
Head trauma can damage the temporal bones in the lower lateral walls of the skull, leading to hearing loss. To help prevent this type of injury, take the following precautions:
- Wear a seat belt at all times when in a car.
- Wear a helmet when riding a bike or motorcycle, and participating in contact sports.
- Don’t take unnecessary risks, such as standing on the top rung of a ladder.
There are other general steps you can take to protect your hearing. Refrain from inserting foreign objects in the ears; these can lead to impacted earwax, a perforated eardrum or damage to the skin. Cotton swabs and safety pins are notorious offenders. Use swim plugs when engaging in water activities and be sure to dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing. Seek prompt medical attention if you are suffering from an ear infection.
Custom Ear Protection & Musician’s Monitors
Most hearing loss is preventable if one is willing to wear hearing protection.
Musicians, Swimmers, Marksmen, Hunters, Woodsmen, Factory Workers, Law Enforcement, Weekend Warriors, Duck/Beaver Fans and anyone who values their hearing.
Etymotic Hearing Products
Etymotic was founded in 1983 with the goal of developing products that provide accurate hearing, protect against hearing loss and improve the listening experiences of musicians and music fans all over the world.
The company has produced many useful hearing products over the last three decades. Hearing health professionals, the hearing-impaired and musicians have all come to rely on Etymotic for the sound-enriching products they manufacture.
Etymotic manufactures top quality headsets and earphones that are unmatched in quality. Etymotic’s earphones are often sought after by professional music developers and audio engineers for the superior sound quality they deliver. They also produce a multitude of protective earplugs that are aimed at the conservation of hearing. The company has also manufactured hearing aid products as well as hearing testing products that can provide extremely accurate hearing diagnoses.
At Hearing Health we are proud to carry Etymotic products. Both of our companies share a similar philosophy about hearing technology. We both believe that improving technology will lead to improvement in the lives of people who suffer from hearing loss.
Westone Hearing Equipment
Westone was founded in 1959 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The company has earned recognition by manufacturing superior products for the protection and enhancement of hearing in a wide range of different industries.
Westone creates custom-fitting earplugs that are excellent for preserving hearing in extremely loud environments. The company has even worked with the Air Force to create the worlds most advanced earplugs that can effectively protect hearing in some of the loudest environments on earth, such as inside the cockpit of an F-22.
The company also makes custom-fitting earplugs for musicians and music lovers that are adept at preventing hearing loss. Anyone who works in a noisy environment can benefit from wearing Westone earplugs. They also create sleek and high-tech earphones that are customized to comfortably fit in anyone’s ear and highly regarded by musicians.
Westone also manufactures products that are used by hearing health professionals all over the globe such as hearing aid batteries, clinical supplies, hearing testing equipment and stethoscopes and many, many more.
Westone continues to maintain its position at the forefront of hearing technology by focusing on research and development and by working closely with hearing health specialists.
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