Hearing Protection

As the world has gotten noisier, loss of hearing has increased alarmingly. According to the National Institutes of Health, about fifteen percent of adults over 18 report some hearing trouble. As we age, this hearing loss increases in many cases. Hearing protection has become more important than ever for the average U.S. citizen.

We are well advised as a population about the use of earphones and earplugs for basic hearing protection. Hearing protection is divided into these two basic categories, but the industry has become a scientifically advanced one as well. Specialized products now have features not thought of just a few decades ago.

Types of Hearing Protection

There are many variations and hybrids that cover some or all of the ear. They are all designed to keep harmful levels of soundwaves from reaching the eardrum. Hearing protection is becoming increasingly specialized. Along with products for general noise, there are protection products for hunting and shooting, musicians, swimming and diving, and more.

Shooters electronic protectors: Electronic hearing protectors have been developed to close a valve instantly upon receiving concussive and explosive soundwaves. The valve is open to normal sound until such an event occurs.
Swimming: Swimming and diving can severely injure the ear. Earplugs made specifically for swimming – air and water-tight – can be custom molded to your ears. Divers are particularly susceptible to ear damage from pressure at lower depths. Earplugs designed to prevent this damage are custom fit.
Musician: Everyone working in loud musical entertainment environments like concert halls should wear hearing protection. Musicians are particularly susceptible to long periods of loud noise. However, they must also be able to follow every beat and hear the musical notes. Musicians hearing protectors, or monitors, allow frequencies and volumes to reach the eardrum but protect against the loudest decibel levels.
Bluetooth ear protectors: Many jobs in noisy industries require people to be in constant communication while using hearing protection. Radio equipped earphones running Bluetooth wirelessly allow speaking and listening at normal volume even in the middle of a loud work site.

If you’re concerned about your exposure to dangerous noise levels, talk with one of our audiologists at Hearing Solutions of Louisiana about the best options for your specific protection needs.

Hunting:

Hunting, shooting and sudden noise. A filter instantaneously closes when damaging noise levels are reached. Allows essentially normal hearing at all other times.

Music:

Ideal for performing musicians and concert-goers. Also great for flight attendants, bartenders, waiters, dental professionals. Allows wearer to hear sounds accurately, but at reduced levels. Three filter options available: 9dB, 15dB or 25dB.

Swimming:

For swimming and showering – and they FLOAT! Also provide superb noise reduction.

Sleep:

Offers comfortable and uninterrupted rest. Also great for shift workers with non-traditional hours.

Motorsport:

Designed with a hollow canal for under helmet use to reduce wind buffeting.

Surf:

Designed to prevent surfer’s ear and swimmer’s ear caused by exposure to cold water and wind. The floatable material is molded with a sealed membrane spanning the sound bore that keeps cold water and air out of the ear canal, but allows for conversation and hearing while in the ear.