Custom Hearing Protection

Noise-induced hearing loss, hearing loss caused by exposure to noise, is one of the most common forms of hearing loss.

It occurs in 23% of people over the age of 65. However, unlike other types of hearing loss, hearing loss caused by exposure to noise can in most cases be avoidable. One of the most effective ways noise-induced hearing loss can be prevented is by wearing hearing protection.
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Custom Hearing Protection

How loud is too loud?

Sound is measured in units called decibels. Even after prolonged and repeated exposure, sounds with fewer than 75-80 decibels are safe. You can listen to them all day and still won't be affected. But noises above 85 decibels can be hazardous to hearing health. 

Eight hours of exposure per day is the maximum when it comes to sounds up to 85 decibels. When the sound is louder, exposure time needs to be drastically reduced. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA) guidelines for safe listening suggests that exposure time should be reduced by half for every 3-decibel increase of sound after 85dB: 

  • 85dB: 8 hours 
  • 88dB: 4 hours 
  • 91dB: 2 hours 
  • 94dB: 30min

Exceeding these safety thresholds - one time or consistently -  can irreparably damage your hearing.

Custom Hearing Protection

How does noise damage your hearing?

When you're exposed to loud noise, the delicate hair cells in the cochlea are damaged. There are thousands of hair cells in each ear that serve as sensory receptors, playing a critical role in how we hear and process sound. These hair cells convert incoming soundwaves into electrical signals which get carried to the brain. The brain is then able to further analyze these signals and assign meaning to them which is how we can understand what we hear.

Loud noise can cause hair cells to lose sensitivity, becoming increasingly vulnerable to dying. The decomposition of these hair cells prevents the brain from obtaining the necessary sound signals to process making it difficult to analyze and understand sound, resulting in hearing loss. Moreover, unlike other types of cells, hair cells in the inner ear do not regenerate after the cells have been destroyed. There are also no medical interventions that can correct this damage or replenish these hair cells which means that the resulting hearing loss is permanent.

How does custom hearing protection prevent hearing loss?

How does custom hearing protection prevent hearing loss?

Wearing hearing protection offers the ears a protective barrier. This barrier reduces the amount of loud noise one absorbs, protecting the hair cells in the inner ear from the impact of high levels of sound. Though there are different types of hearing protection - headphones, earbuds, earmuffs, etc. - custom earplugs tend to offer the most protection and comfort because they are made specifically for your ears. Custom hearing protection includes custom earplugs that are designed to be worn in the ear canal. Molds are taken of your ears to construct these earplugs so they can be worn seamlessly. They are also small and portable, allowing you to carry them with you. This enables you to easily access this protective wear when you are in noisier settings.

Here are signs to look out for:

  • Sounds are distorted or silenced.
  • You can hear people talk but have trouble understanding the words.
  • Conversations from 3 feet away or further are hard to understand.
  • You prefer TV volume at a higher level than others. 
  • Frequently asking others to repeat themselves. 
  • Tinnitus - a buzzing or ringing noise in the ears. 

Paying attention to these signs and seeking treatment as soon as possible can profoundly transform your hearing health.

What are the warning signs of hearing loss?

If your ears ring or muffle after exposure to loud noises, it could mean that your hearing has been affected. These effects, as stated above, are cumulative and should not be taken lightly. It is important to notice when noise levels are high in your surroundings and to protect your hearing in the future.

Exposure to extremely loud noise can cause sudden hearing loss. War veterans often suffer from this form of hearing loss, due to exposure in the field. Alternatively, we may acquire noise-induced hearing loss gradually over a lifetime of exposure, whether in the workplace (factory, construction) or leisure activities (i.e. hunting, loud concerts, sports events).

David Marsh
David Marsh
2021-09-01
Excellent service.
Gary Hawkins
Gary Hawkins
2021-08-22
Janiece knows her job. Very helpful
Tasha Benson
Tasha Benson
2021-03-18
Great service, very friendly
Gene Lanham
Gene Lanham
2021-03-15
I struggled with my new hearing aids--for over a year-Janiece identified the problem in 20 minutes---I can hear!!! Thanks Janiece!!!
Gary Brunson
Gary Brunson
2019-12-05
“Outstanding customer service with a big smile!!! Every other hearing specialist professional wanted me to make an appointment days out for repairing my Phonack aids. Sarah enthusiastically asked me if I could come in now! I highly recommend this business.”
rich ferrari
rich ferrari
2019-08-12
Very professional and knowledgable.They strive to provide the best choice of product for their customers needs. R ich Ferrari
Jim Gilmer
Jim Gilmer
2019-08-12
I always feel my needs are met and that Rincalina works with me to find the aides that work best at a very reasonable price. This is my go-to hearing aide dispensary.
Angela Ridgley
Angela Ridgley
2019-03-09
Janiece is a very caring, compassionate person but still professional. She put me into a pair of hearing aids that are amazing. I'm so happy. I've chosen to go to her for all of my hearing solutions! Thank you!
Sheryl Pearson
Sheryl Pearson
2017-12-24
Excellent and informed assistance