Many people take for granted how important their hearing is. This amazing sense creates opportunities for happy moments with loved ones. It lets you communicate clearly with friends.
Put simply, good hearing protection can help you enjoy life more. This guide can help you choose the right fit for your ears and your lifestyle.
When You Need Hearing Protection
There are many sources of loud noises, from road construction to car stereos. Here are some of the worst offenders for hearing damage:
Heavy machinery at work
Large concerts
Sports events
Saws and other garage tools in enclosed spaces
Work or lawn equipment
Portable music devices
Loud TVs or stereos
Fireworks
The louder the sound, the faster it damages your hearing. A lawnmower can cause hearing damage after about two hours. In contrast, heavy machinery at work can cause hearing loss or ear injuries in less than five minutes without protection.
What Hearing Protection Options Are Available
You can find a huge range of earplugs and hearing protection gear. Some are high-tech and others are old-school, but both can help.
Foam Earplugs
These simple earplugs expand when you slide them into your ear canal. You have to roll them first so they fit snugly. They’re inexpensive and fast, but you need a new pair every time.
Reusable Universal Earplugs
These silicone or rubber earplugs come in different sizes and you can reuse them for ages. Universal earplugs have flanges or curved surfaces to help them seal snugly. You may need a different size for each ear.
Custom-Fit Earplugs
Some people need specialized hearing protection. Custom earplugs are designed specifically for the shape of your ears. They’re more comfortable, but they also cost more.
Earmuff-Style Hearing Protectors
Many industrial workers choose these heavy-duty ear protectors. Earmuffs deliver excellent sound deadening and they’re easy to use.
You can also rock these bad boys for DIY projects in your garage. They’re a great choice for people who dislike the feeling of earplugs. The main downside is the weight.
Noise-Filtering Earplugs
Traditional earplugs are a pain at concerts because they make songs sound muted or “flat.” Noise-filtering earplugs are a great solution. They block sound evenly, keeping the balance of highs and lows while simply lowering the overall volume.
Specialized Earplugs
If you’re willing to spend a pretty penny, you can get high-tech earplugs that are customized for your ears with all the bells and whistles, including noise cancellation and Bluetooth connectivity for playing music while you sleep. Many musicians choose this option.
Why Hearing Protection Is Essential in Today’s Environment
Whether you live in a bustling metropolis or a small town, life has gotten a lot noisier over the past few decades. The statistics are alarming:
Over 25% of U.S. seniors have advanced hearing loss because of noise
More than 60% of veterans/service members have hearing damage
Dangerous noise levels at work affect some 30 million Americans
The risk of hearing loss in the U.S. is double the risk of diabetes
Noise pollution doesn’t just hurt your ears, either. It’s bad for your overall health. Persistent exposure to loud noises can raise your blood pressure, hurt your heart and mess with your hormones. If you don’t have high-quality hearing protection yet, you know what your next purchase should be.