Can Hearing Protection Prevent Hearing Loss

As individuals age, it’s natural that they begin to experience some level of hearing loss. However, more and more, people are beginning to have hearing loss earlier in life, and in many instances, this is due to repeated exposure to loud noises, which damages the ear. If you need help managing your hearing loss, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with an audiologist.

Hearing Protection Protects Against Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

There are many reasons why someone may begin to have hearing loss. In the vast majority of cases, it’s caused by age-related factors. However, hearing protection is extremely valuable in preventing hearing loss that is caused by exposure to loud noises.

The ears begin to experience damage when they’re exposed to noises louder than 85 decibels. If you’re routinely in environments with sounds greater than that volume – say, a noisy work environment or concerts – then hearing loss may occur over a period of time. There are several different types of hearing protection that your audiologist can recommend. These include earplugs, earmuffs, noise-canceling headphones and custom earplugs.

Who Needs Hearing Protection?

Not everyone needs hearing protection. If you never find yourself in loud environments, then practicing general health protection habits will help to protect your ears. However, if you’re one of the many people who work in a construction, factory or otherwise noisy work environment, then it’ll be essential. Musicians or people who regularly attend concerts can also benefit from hearing protection.

To find out if you need hearing protection, ask yourself if you ever find yourself in environments that exceed 85 decibels. If the answer is yes, then you need hearing protection. Talk with an audiologist about the type of hearing protection that would be right for you.

How to Look After Your Ears

Wearing hearing protection is the first step for protection your hearing. However, it’s not the only part of the process. In order to keep your ears as healthy as possible, it’s recommended to get regular hearing checkups, which will help to catch any issues as early as possible. Also, even if you do have hearing protection, it’s best to minimize your exposure to loud noises in general.

Does Hearing Protection Always Prevent Hearing Loss?

Hearing protection doesn’t always prevent hearing loss, but it can significantly reduce the risk, especially from noise-induced damage. The effectiveness of hearing protection depends on how well it’s used, the type of protection and the level and duration of noise exposure. For example, if earplugs or earmuffs aren’t worn correctly or consistently, they may not fully block harmful sound levels. Additionally, some types of hearing loss, like age-related or genetic conditions, can’t be prevented by wearing hearing protection. However, when worn properly, hearing protection is a key tool in preventing hearing loss from loud environments.

If you’re routinely exposed to loud noises and need some help finding the hearing protection that’s right for you, then don’t hesitate to make an appointment with an audiologist.