How to Prevent Hearing Loss
Hearing protection such as ear plugs, ear buds, or ear muffs go a long way toward protecting your ears. Ear protection devices help limit your ear’s exposure to noise by reducing the number of decibels that reach your eardrum. Professional ear protection devices are given Noise Reduction Ratings that are measured in decibels. Many ear muffs or ear plugs, for example, have NRR’s of around 28 to 33. This is significant protection for your ears, because exposure to just 85 decibels of noise over long periods of time will lead to permanent hearing loss.
Ear Protection for First Responders
Did you know that as a first responder you’re at a high risk of losing your hearing? If you’re in law enforcement you have an 80 percent chance of developing noticeable hearing loss. Firefighters, rescue workers, EMT and other first responders are also high risk. You may love your job, but between exposure to high-decibel noise like sirens, megaphones, gunshots and even traffic damages the sensitive parts of your ear over time. Be sure to ask us about special ear protection for shooting, military and other special needs.
Ear Protection for Musicians
Professional musicians work in a high decibel environment in which hearing loss, tinnitus, hypersensitivity to sound and sound distortion can result.
Traditional earplugs will not work for the professional musician, as they reduce sound by muffling low-to-mid-range frequencies. Custom musicians ear molds are available that can protect the musician’s ears from loud sounds without distorting what they hear. There are also a variety of ‘in ear monitors’ that will enhance the music experience whether you are a serious musician or just a music aficionado. Many other products are also available that will enhance the music experience.
Ear Protection for Hunters and Recreational Shooters
Hunting requires one to have the ability to hear very soft sounds, while still protecting the ear from the peak noise levels of a shotgun blast. Fortunately, hunters have many options for protection. Not only can they choose from custom or over-the-counter ear plugs or earmuffs, they can also choose protection devices that provide amplification while reducing the sounds of gunfire down to a safe level.
Electronic earplugs enhance the sounds around you. For example, you can hear game movement but also reduce impulse sounds (such as gunfire) down to a safe level. This helps prevent damage to your hearing.
Custom Ear Protection Helps Protect Your Hearing
Ear plugs and ear molds made specifically for your ear will fit more snugly in your ear canal to help block high-decibel sounds. Florida Hearing Matters can provide electronic earplugs in custom ear protection and ear molds for your smart devices as well as standard, less expensive alternatives. We also offer sleep plugs made specifically for you.