Learn more about how important hearing protection is to prevent hearing loss.

Everyday we are surrounded by many different sounds, ranging from a soft rustle of leaves or birds chirping to loud traffic noise or music. It is amazing that we can hear this large range of sounds, and never think about it; but what effect are these sounds having on our hearing? It is, of course, of no consequence listening to soft sounds, but the louder sounds can have severe impacts on your hearing. Most of us are unaware that once your hearing is damaged, there is no regeneration or recovery; once it’s gone, it’s gone.

This is why hearing conservation and protection is very important. In this day and age of technology and the increased usage of cell phones and iPods, headphones are very prevalent. Loud music is often being played through headphones with little to no awareness of the impact on hearing. In fact, people today are losing their hearing 2.5 times faster than their parents and grandparents. Noise induced hearing loss can happen gradually, when exposed to a moderately loud sound repeatedly, such as headphones or a snowmobile. It can also occur rapidly if exposed to an extremely loud sound for a short period of time such as a rock concert, firecracker or gunshot. Noise exposure is the second most common cause of hearing loss after aging.

There are many things you can do to protect your hearing!

1. Wear ear plugs in loud environments.
2. Turn it down! If other people can hear your music while you have headphones in, it’s too loud. If you can’t hear other people talking when you have headphones in, it’s too loud.
3. Educate others.

A common complaint is that ear plugs or ear muffs are uncomfortable. An easy solution to that is custom hearing protection. These are small, soft silicone ear pieces that are custom fit for your ears, are comfortable and can be used to protect your hearing while still enjoying the things you love. There are also available protection options for those in a work environment that still need to communicate with others.