Choosing the Right Ear Protection

If you are constantly or consistently exposed to loud noises in your professional or personal life, then you do need to consider using ear protection. But which type is right for you. That is the question that we’re going to explore today, hopefully pinpointing the correct answer. Depending on your lifestyle, your needs and the situation that is subjecting you to loud noise, you could need a specific type of ear protection and you should speak to an audiologist about these possibilities.

Are you looking for a long-term item?

If you’re looking for a long-term item, you should consider using either ear muffs or earplugs. Earmuffs are highly durable because they are large, bulky and have a firm solid outer shell. As such, they are less likely to be damaged or suffer from significant levels of wear or tear. As well as this, earmuffs can be used in a wide range of different environments from a factory to a construction site. Typically, you will be provided with items like this by your employer when you start a job where you will be exposed to loud noises.

If you are looking for long-term earplugs, you should consider purchasing custom-made designs. These can be made to fit directly for your ear, forming a perfect to seal to block sound completely. Or at least, limit it to a level where you are no longer in danger of hearing damage.

Are you looking for ear protection for work?

If you are looking for ear protection for work, it’s likely that you will need ear muffs. Once again, these muffs are durable and hard, providing the maximum amount of coverage. They fit firmly and fully over the ear which provides a heavier protection, allowing you to block out more significant levels of noise from heavy equipment, machinery, and even vehicles.

In contrast, earplugs are more suited for personal use. They are subtle and only block out a level of the excessive noise. As such, they can be used for a pleasant experience listening to music or attending a movie. If you still want to hear clearly but rather hear at a lower volume earplugs are the ideal solution.

Are you working with medium volumes of noise?

Noise only becomes damaging to your hearing at levels over 85 decibels. Anything quieter than this and your hearing should be fine. That means if you think the noise around you is only slightly louder than you feel comfortable with, you may want to use semi-earplugs. Semi-earplugs do provide a certain level of protection but are not as effective as earplugs or ear muffs. As well as this, they will not work for everyone. If you have a weirdly shaped ear canal, it will be best to invest in custom ear protection. This can be molded to your ear perfectly, ensuring the best possible coverage.

We hope you find this information useful and helpful when selecting your own ear protection. If you have any questions make sure you speak to an audiologist for expert advice.