Protecting your hearing in particular environments can help to prevent or minimise the risk of gradual hearing loss. Hearing protection is particularly important in workplaces where you may be exposed to loud volumes of noise frequently and consistently. This hearing protection should be provided to you by your employer. London Hearing Specialist have helped to explain just why hearing protection is so important and who should be using hearing protection in their daily lives.
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The risks of Tinnitus and Hearing loss
We often underestimate just how important our hearing is to us, until we experience hearing loss or any other concern with our hearing. In environments where noises exceed particular levels, the risk of hearing loss, tinnitus, or other hearing conditions can be increased. The extended exposure to loud noises can pose a great risk to your hearing and put you at a greater risk of damage to your inner ear. This is where the importance of hearing protection is highlighted. In environments exceeding high levels of sound, you should be protecting your ears to reduce your chances of experiencing hearing loss or tinnitus.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the medical term to describe a very common sensation. This is when people hear a ringing, buzzing, or humming sound from within the ear. This sound is not caused by any other external source. Although irritating and often very distracting, this is not a harmful condition. In fact, for most people tinnitus will go away on its own. However, for those exposed to high levels of sound for long periods of time, tinnitus can stick around long-term. This can then have a huge impact on daily life, often making sleep very difficult. For those working in workplaces everyday with loud machinery or equipment, hearing protection is the best way to prevent tinnitus from occurring.
Hearing protection for working environments
If working in an environment like a factory, building site or large arena, the noise levels can become very high. Safety precautions should be taken by those working in these environments to protect hearing and prevent damage to the ears. In most cases the responsibility to provide suitable and tested hearing protections falls with the employer. If you feel you should be wearing hearing protection at work but are yet to be provided a sufficient method, it is a good idea to speak with your employer or HR department. All employers have a duty of care and hearing protection should be considered equally as important as other protective clothing. For those working in these environments, where the risk of hearing loss and tinnitus is higher, regular visits to a trained Audiologist is recommended.
Custom ear plugs
Hearing protection isn’t just required within workplaces, it can be useful to protect hearing in a number of circumstances. For example, during activities such as swimming, shooting, listening to, or performing music, and even sleeping. Custom ear plugs can be designed for a manner of daily tasks. For custom ear plugs, made specifically for your ears, speak with an Audiologist who can assess your ear health and take a mould of your ear to begin the process to creating your custom ear plugs.