Many people believe hearing damage is a problem for the elderly > It’s an issue easily ignored by younger people. Even many of those experiencing hearing problems see it as an issue for tomorrow. Hearing damage is gradual and will get worse over time, so, it’s crucial to keep on top of it.
It’s important to understand how your hearing can be become damaged over time – in everyday environments, not just extreme situations.
Why is ear protection important?
- Noise-induced hearing loss (gradual, irreversible)
- Tinnitus and long-term discomfort might not initially appear obvious. A common example is tinnitus, which can begin subtly, but becomes more problematic later on. If tinnitus is a concern for you, visit Northampton tinnitus support group here
- Latest research suggests one in seven adults has tinnitus
- Over seven million UK adults have tinnitus
Cumulative impact of repeated exposure
- Attending a few music gigs is unlikely to do any harm, but regular gigs throughout your 20s can eventually cause long-term issues
- Swimming without ear protection, such as waterproof earplugs, is also a severe cause of cumulative exposure
When should you use hearing protection?
So, now we understand ‘why’ ear damage happens, it’s just as important to stress the ‘when’. Examples of when you should use ear protection include:
- Loud environments: concerts, nightclubs, sporting events
- Work: construction, machinery, factories, roadside
- Hobbies: DIY, motorbikes, shooting, playing music
- Water exposure: swimming, water sports
Signs that you may need to start using earplugs can come from ringing in your ears after exposure (nightclubs, etc), or needing to raise your voice to be heard.
Custom-molded hearing protection: Custom-made earplugs are ideal for times like these. People won’t necessarily notice the earplugs but their impact on you will be positive.
Musician hearing protection: These can start cheap but go right up into the premium category. They’re designed to reduce volume and frequencies without distorting the sound quality and are ideal for gig-goers and performers.
Foam hearing protection: Typically, these are cheaper, single-use versions that are widely available. They’re good for general noise reduction but have a less precise fit.
Re-usable silicon hearing protection: Often the step between foam and custom-molded, these provide a bit more durability and comfort than cheaper foam ones. They’re also normally suitable for regular use.
Industrial hearing protection: Over-ear protection for high-noise environments. Strong noise reduction means these are commonly used in loud industrial workplaces.
Swimming protection: These protect your ears from water rather than noise and are particularly useful for swimmers or those prone to ear infections.
At Sheinman Opticians we offer the following earplugs:
- Reusable silicon earplugs from Phonak
- Custom earplugs for:
- Sleep
- Swim
- Music
- Motorsport
- Work
- Flight
- Shooting
- Comfort
Choosing the right ear protection for your needs
Now we’ve figured out the different types of earplugs tailored to different lifestyles and work roles, it’s good to know which ones are most suited to you. Let’s narrow it down.
- How often will they be needed?
- What’s the environment?
- What kind of comfort is needed?
- What level of protection is needed (defenders v foam, etc)?
Here at Sheinman, we specialise in custom-fit versions that are not only bespoke to you, but low-key enough to not make a difference to your appearance.
The benefits of protecting your hearing early
Let’s explore the key reasons why you should look after your hearing. They might not necessarily impact you now, but they can do in later life.
- Prevent long-term damage – most hearing loss is perfectly avoidable despite the sense people have that it’s a natural process of ageing – “There are several areas for potential action. Firstly, at an individual level, there is a need to tackle acceptance among the public that age-related hearing loss is inevitable, and you just have to put up with it. On the contrary, hearing loss is largely preventable and treatable.” – UK Health Security Agency
- Maintain quality of life
- Avoid any need for corrective treatment later
- It’s a simple habit that can have long term benefits (like getting your eyes tested)
Why take a proactive approach to hearing health?
It’s important to take a proactive approach to hearing health because it’s something that often goes unnoticed or is brushed aside. Sheinman Opticians’ custom-made hearing protection is on hand to prevent damage.
Hearing tests should be treated as a regular procedure, just like eye tests- Sheinman offers free hearing tests here
Hearing protection is easy to access and very effective. Small steps now can go a long way to preventing long term damage. Just because you aren’t experiencing issues now, doesn’t mean something isn’t happening in the background.
If you want to proactively avoid hearing issues later in your life, book your hearing test at Sheinman here
