Custom Earmolds and Earplugs for the San Francisco Peninsula
One of the most common causes of hearing loss is loud noise. You can do permanent damage to your hearing whether from a one-time extreme noise event or consistent exposure to loud noise.
Statistics show that:
Over 1 billion people globally are at high risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and that teens and young adults ages 12-35, are increasingly vulnerable to developing permanent hearing loss as a result of noise exposure from personal audio devices and loud noise exposure in social settings.
30 million people in the U.S. are exposed to noise levels in the workplace that are high enough to cause irreversible hearing loss (the Hearing Health Foundation).
An estimated 24% of hearing loss in the U.S. has been attributed to workplace exposure to loud noise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Fortunately, this type of noise-induced hearing loss is preventable through the use of hearing protection. Though generic earmolds and earplugs can help, investing in custom ear protection available at Eartone Hearing Aid Center provides maximum protection against loud noise, greater wearing security and a more comfortable fit for a broad range of activities.
Understanding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)
NIHL is a type of permanent hearing loss caused by a single extreme noise event, like an explosion, or long-term exposure to noises of heavy machinery or loud music.
How does loud noise damage my hearing?
Hairlike sensory cells located in the inner ear convert incoming soundwaves into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain through the auditory nerve where our brain converts them into meaningful sounds. Loud noise causes these hair cells to lose their sensitivity, reducing their ability to transmit sound, and eventually becoming too damaged to function at all.
Damage to your hearing can occur depending on the length of time you’re exposed to various noises above 85 decibels (dB). Consequently, ongoing exposure to many common household, work, recreational and social activities noises without protection can do permanent damage.
Common dangerous noise levels include:
90 dB: lawnmower
95 dB: electric drill
100 dB: night club, train, snowmobile
110 dB: power saw, jackhammer, motorcycle
120 dB: ambulance siren, chainsaw, rock concert
130 dB: stock car race, jet engine
140 dB: airplane takeoff
145 dB: fireworks
150 dB: shotgun blast
If you regularly take part in occupational, recreational or social activities that involve ongoing exposure to these noises, you should seriously consider using custom hearing protection.
Benefits of Custom Earmold and Earplugs
Custom earmolds and earplugs are your best solution for protecting your ears from NIHL for a variety of reasons, including:
A more secure fit when you’re active.
More complete seal for greater protection.
A more accurate frequency response to a full range of sounds.
Prevent reverberation inside your ears by allowing sound to pass both ways.
Precision-engineered filters for specific, measurable protection and more natural sound.
Greater wearing comfort for extended wear.
Less skin irritation due to medical-grade silicone construction.
Replaceable sound filters allow you to change sound protection for different activities.
Fitting is unique to each ear.
Hearing protection is especially important for anyone who is regularly exposed to higher levels of noise, which typically include:
Work Environment Noise - musicians, construction workers, factory workers and pilots.
Recreational Activities and Social Events: target shooting, going to concerts and clubs, attending games in a sports arena, etc.
Loud Machinery and Equipment at Home: lawnmowers, motorcycles, power tools, etc.
Wearing hearing protection can effectively reduce the amount and impact of loud noise you absorb. Options for protective wear we offer include:
