The Link Between Hearing Protection and Long-Term Health

Many individuals know the importance of being able to take in the world around them with their senses and understand that their hearing is important. However, it’s so easy to overlook the importance of preserving your hearing for the long haul. Some individuals are naturally more at risk of long-term hearing issues due to their habits and lifestyle, so it’s crucial to be aware what you can do to protect yourself. If hearing loss is untreated it can lead to social isolation and even increase the risk of health problems like dementia so spend a few minutes considering what you can do to protect your ears and your hearing health for the future.

The Risks of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

Individuals’ ears are incredibly delicate and are susceptible to damage from sudden or prolonged exposure to loud noises. It could be the persistent hum of city traffic or from construction sites or it could be the more obvious blaring sounds at concerts and gigs. Your auditory system can easily become compromised, and over time, this can lead to hearing loss, impacting their quality of life and overall health.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a common condition caused by long-term exposure to loud sounds. When you’re around noises louder than 85 decibels (dBs) for extended periods, the delicate hair cells in your inner ear can get damaged, leading to hearing problems. Using hearing protection like earplugs or earmuffs consistently can significantly lower the risk of NIHL. Selecting the right hearing protection to preserve your hearing depends on the environment and how loud the noise is.

What are the Different Types of Hearing Protection?

When trying to preserve your hearing, you should think about wearing hearing protection. An audiologist will guide you in finding the right hearing protection for you. But what are the different types of hearing protection?

Earplugs

Earplugs are small devices inserted into the ear canal to reduce the entry of sound. They’re made of foam, silicone or wax and come in different sizes and shapes. Earplugs are handy for noisy places like concerts or construction sites, as well as for sleeping to block out noise and protect the ears from damage.

Custom Earplugs

Custom earplugs are individually crafted to fit each person’s unique ear shape. They’re made by taking an impression of the ear canal and molding the earplug accordingly. Custom earplugs offer a snug fit, better noise reduction and increased comfort compared to standard ones.

Earmuffs

Earmuffs cover the entire outer ear with padded cups connected by a headband. They create a seal around the ear to block out noise. Earmuffs are great for places like factories, shooting ranges or other loud environments.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones use special technology to reduce external noise. They have microphones that pick up surrounding sounds and produce sound waves to cancel them out. Noise-canceling headphones are popular among travelers, office workers and anyone who wants to focus in a noisy environment.

If you want to learn more about hearing loss or hearing protection and how it can help long term, schedule an appointment with an audiologist.