Excellent Tools to Help Reduce Hearing Loss

“Prevention is better than a cure,” goes the famous saying. This can most definitely be replicated to the case of hearing loss as well. Since most hearing loss is permanent and cannot be reversed, the safest and most preferable course of action is to prevent the disease from happening in the first place. Not only is this cheaper than going to a doctor and buying treatment, but it also lets you enjoy one of nature’s greatest gifts: the sense of hearing.

Thanks to research and technology, there are several tools that have been developed to reduce the damage done by noise. Since noise pollution can cause trauma over a prolonged period and even at short bursts or intervals, it is the biggest threat to our hearing. By making the best use of such devices in our everyday lives, we can prevent hearing loss from happening.

Noisy Sports

If you like to participate in noisy sports, such as hunting, shooting, snowmobiling or woodworking, you would find it beneficial to make use of tools that are especially designed for that purpose. Shooters, for example, are recommended by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) to use earmuffs. Hearing protection devices can also be used, as they enhance soft sounds but block out loud sounds.

People that like riding recreational vehicles may use specialized earplugs with a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 26 to 33 dB.  These special plugs for motorcyclists are sold in multi-packs online or at local cycling shops. Inexpensive foam earplugs are also easily available in sporting goods store and can provide moderate protection.

Noisy Working Conditions

If your work environment is noisy, such as a construction site, a nightclub or a busy city road, you may need extra protection and precaution to take care of your hearing. Traffic wardens, for example, have to remain on busy roads throughout the day. They may be exposed to a dangerous level of noise, which can be reduced with specially designed helmets that contain sound mufflers.

The government of the United States requires most employers to take care of the hearing of their workforce. Employers are supposed to implement engineering and administrative controls to reduce noise exposure. In addition, they’re also required to provide a hearing conservation program and appropriate hearing protection for their employees.

Noisy Social Gatherings

Environmental noise can be harmful even if you are exposed to it for a short interval of time. This means noisy hang outs with friends can be detrimental to your sense of hearing. Clubs and busy restaurants have a whopping 90 dB of noise, the same as that of a lawn mower. The symphonic music at a musical concert peaks at 120 to 137 dB, which is far beyond the safety levels recommended by doctors. To top it all off, the noise level at a sporting event can reach up to 142 dB.

So how can people that normally hang out at such places protect their hearing? The easiest option is to wear protective earplugs or earmuffs. At a concert, you can stay away from the speakers to avoid damage. Also, it is recommended to step out of a noisy environment after 20 to 30 minutes to give your ears some rest.