Hearing Protection

Professional musicians work in a high decibel environment in which hearing loss, tinnitus, hypersensitivity to sound and sound distortion can result. Traditional earplugs will not work for the professional musician, as they reduce sound by muffling low-to-mid-range frequencies. Custom musicians ear molds are available that can protect the musician’s ears from loud sounds without distorting what they hear. There are also a variety of ‘in ear monitors’ that will enhance the music experience whether you are a serious musician or just a music aficionado. Many other products are also available that will enhance the music experience..

As many as 50 percent of all recreational shooters may suffer some degree of hearing loss. It is generally thought that loud noises in excess of 90 decibels are harmful to hearing over prolonged exposure. Most gunfire exceeds 130 decibels and requires reliable, quality hearing  protection. 

Using ear protection can prevent needless and permanent damage to hearing.

Hunting requires one to have the ability to hear very soft sounds, while still protecting the ear from the peak noise levels of a shotgun blast. Fortunately, hunters have many options for protection. Not only can they choose from custom or over-the-counter ear plugs or earmuffs,  they can also choose protection devices that provide amplification while reducing the sounds of gunfire down to a safe level.

Electronic earplugs enhance the sounds around you. For example, you can hear game movement but also reduce impulse sounds (such as gunfire) down to a safe level. This helps prevent damage to your hearing. Electronic earplugs are available in custom molds as well as standard, less expensive alternatives.

According to the NIOSH, approximately 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work, causing an estimated $242 million per year to be spent on worker’s compensation due to hearing loss disability.

NIOSH recommends “all worker exposures to noise be controlled below a level equivalent to 85 dBA for eight hours to minimize occupational noise induced hearing loss.” NIOSH also recommends “a 3 dBA exchange rate so that every increase by 3 dBA doubles the amount of the noise and halves the recommended amount of exposure time.”

Loud, constant sounds all day long at work can cause long term hearing problems. Loud, sudden noises (gunfire, industrial noises, woodworking, motorcycles, loud music, motorized lawn equipment, noisy hobbies and other noises louder than 90 db) are more damaging to hearing  than regular and extended exposure to loud sounds over a period of time.

NIOSH recommends a hearing loss prevention program that includes the use of hearing protection devices, periodic hearing tests and education for workers along with administrative controls that include accurate record keeping, evaluations and audits.

When properly fitted, earplugs can significantly reduce loud noises and prevent hearing damage and loss. Hearing protectors not properly fitted to the wearer’s ears do not effectively prevent damaging noises from penetrating the ear canal.