Hearing protection is an essential topic for anyone who wants to prevent the threat of future hearing loss or exacerbation of an existing auditory condition.
Whether it’s earplugs or ear defenders, those specialized products won’t need to be worn constantly. However, any audiologist will confirm that it is necessary to seek the correct hearing protection whenever you are subjected to noise levels above the 70dB threshold for long periods. Here are just three situations where earplugs or defenders are essential.
Working with heavy machinery
The human body has not evolved at the same speed as society. Therefore, whenever using heavy machinery, you will need to protect yourself. Hearing protection is one of the most important precautions on the checklist.
This could cover machinery used in the workplace or for home improvements. Some of the most common examples of machinery and equipment that could cause damage to your ears without the right hearing protection are;
- Riding lawnmower – 90dB
- Forklifts – 98dB
- Electric drill – 102dB
- Chainsaw – 110dB
- Pneumatic drill – 116dB
There is a long list of additional tools and machinery that should only be used when the right hearing protection is in place. Ear defenders, earplugs, and even semi-inserts are all suitable solutions.
Whether using the equipment regularly or for a long time, wearing hearing protection will prevent ringing in the ears and the threat of progressive hearing loss.
Being around loud music
Most people experience music daily, without any concern regarding their ears. After all, the latest consumer headphones often have noise limits to protect the ears. However, anyone that is around loud music for long periods should take extra care.
Hearing protection can be used by musicians, regular gig attendees, music producers, sound engineers, and anyone else that is around this environment for work or leisure. The benefits of wearing the right protection in these instances include;
- Avoiding the initial buzzing or ringing in the ears.
- Preventing gradual hearing loss due to long-term sound exposure.
- Protecting your hearing so that you continue to register the full spectrum of sound.
- Avoiding the development of tinnitus symptoms.
- Maintaining a better quality of life and protecting your hobby/career.
As a frequent musician that is around loud music on a regular basis, custom hearing protection is usually the best solution. Nonetheless, standard off-the-shelf options are available too.
When enjoying sports
If you are enjoying a game of tennis or a round of golf, hearing protection won’t be needed. However, there are plenty of extreme sporting activities where hearing protection is vital. In most cases, this is when you are using loud equipment.
It should be noted, though, that other factors can impact your surroundings by increasing the noise levels or introducing additional risks. Therefore, you should wear earplugs or earmuffs when entering the following situations;
- Practicing shooting sports, like clay pigeon shooting
- Riding a motorbike or enjoying other motorsports
- Attending a large sporting event with a particularly loud crowd
- Snowmobiling or watersports with engine-based vehicles
- Swimming
With swimming, hearing protection is worn to stop water from entering the ears rather than stop sounds. When water is stuck in the ear canal, it can lead to infections and swimmer’s ear. Blocking access is the best form of protection.
If you feel that hearing protection could be useful in your life, call the audiologist to discuss the situation in detail and find the right solution today.
