Hearing Protection
If it is impractical or impossible to limit or reduce exposure to noise, an appropriate hearing protection device (HPD) can offer effective protection from ear damage. A suitably qualified professional can ensure that your HPDs will provide enough (and not too much) protection from the type of noise you are exposed to.
HPDs can be “off-the-shelf” or custom made. Off-the-shelf devices are readily sourced but have several shortcomings. They are often one-size-fits-all and as ears come in many shapes and sizes, they can sometimes be uncomfortable to wear even for short periods. Most are designed to be worn only once and then disposed of, however this can become an expensive exercise over time. They are also often larger and bulkier to wear. Custom made earplugs are shaped to the user’s individual ears and have the advantage of being a more comfortable, affordable and discreet choice.
There are several types of custom earplugs available for different uses:
Solid earplugs provide the most hearing protection. They are most suited for people who need to reduce high level noises such as industrial workers and power tool users. Solid earplugs can also be used to reduce water entering the ears for swimmers.
Musician’s earplugs are small and discreet and are specifically designed to give the wearer some hearing protection whilst also allowing enjoyment of music. This is achieved by a special filter that reduces the volume of all frequencies evenly, so that the bass and treble components of the music remain balanced. These special filters come in 10, 15 or 25dB reduction. Your clinician will advise which is most suitable for you.
Shooters plugs give maximum hearing protection when a loud noise is present this allows less intense sounds (such as speech) to enter more freely. A special “non-linear” filter achieves this by snapping shut as the loud sound is detected, preventing its entry into the ear.
Tips on Wearing Hearing Protection
Seek expert advice on the type of HPD that is most suitable for you as incorrect use/insertion can greatly reduce its effectiveness.
- Always use clean hands to insert earplugs
- Clean and check your HPDs regularly for damage or faults
- Be sure to use your HPDs for even short periods of noise exposure
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