There are many reasons why you may need hearing protection. It could be that you work in a noisy environment or that you’re a traveling musician that routinely plays music at a dangerously loud volume. Or you might be a hunter who has to discharge their rifle. Whatever the reason that you need hearing protection, it’s important to think carefully about the process.
There’ll be an option that’s right for you, but not all hearing protection options will be correct. In this article, we’re going to look at some useful tips when it comes to selecting the hearing protection that’s right for you.
How Much Protection Do You Need?
To begin, think about how much protection you need. There are different hearing protection styles available, but they don’t all offer the same level of protection. For instance, industrial level earmuffs will protect ears more than standard earplugs. In order to get the right ones, it’s a good idea to have a sense of how much noise you’re being exposed to. Once you know how much you need to block, you’ll be able to find the protection that blocks that amount of noise.
Comfort and Convenience
The level of noise that the protection item will block out is, of course, important, but it’s not the only consideration that you should consider. You’ll also need to think about the comfort and convenience of the item too. For example, if you need to listen to what other people in the environment are saying, then choosing a hearing product that blocks out all sounds will not be appropriate.
Similarly, large and warm hearing protection may not be suitable if you’re working in a hot and humid workplace. You should be able to wear them for extended periods of time without becoming uncomfortable.
The Right Fit
It’s not just the type of hearing protection that’s important. It’s also key that the equipment fits you well. If earmuffs or earplugs are too large, for example, then they might let in noise when the entire point is to block out that noise. An audiologist will ensure that the protection fits you well.
The Different Styles Available
There are general hearing protection options available. However, there are also specific options too. For example, you can get hearing protection that has been designed specifically with musicians, hunters, swimmers and more in mind. So, think about the type of hearing protection that you need – there may be one type that’s best for you.
Signs You Should Visit an Audiologist
You can visit an audiologist and get advice on which hearing protection type is correct for you. It’s also recommended to schedule an appointment if you think that you’re already experiencing some hearing issues because of exposure to loud noises. If you’re experiencing hearing loss, for example, then the audiologist may recommend that you get fitted with a hearing aid. Ultimately, they’ll be able to determine the current state of your hearing and offer advice on the correct course of action.