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Hearing protection

Hearing protection - a health investment

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Have you ever thought about protecting your ears before? No? Then you're not alone. Often, we don’t even think about the actual consequences everyday noises can have on our hearing. Constant noise can not only lead to hearing loss, but can also be associated with numerous other health-related risks. Here, you will find out more about the impacts of noise and how you can best protect your hearing.

Overview:

Why should I protect my hearing?
What impacts on my health can loud noises have?
Do I need hearing protection?
Strategies for protecting your hearing
What types of hearing protection are available?

Why should I protect my hearing?

Unlike the eye, which can close its lid in a fraction of a second, the ear is unable to protect itself from noise. We cannot deliberately shut off our hearing or temporarily switch it off, it is always ready to pick up sounds and noises, including loud ones. Accordingly, with regular or acute loud noise, the hair cells can suffer and even die off. In worst-case scenarios, this can lead to hearing loss.

So to ensure we maintain the ability to enjoy the full spectrum of the sounds of life, it is paramount to protect our most important sense. If not, we may no longer be able to rely on it in future, may it be in conversations or in dangerous situations.

What impacts on my health can loud noises have?

Often, we are completely unaware that our hearing is at risk in everyday situations: Excessively loud music in discos, at concerts or noise from DIY work at home can quickly cause hearing loss, even in young people. Constant noise, of the type we hear on busy roads for example, is classed as being in the hazardous range at volumes of around 80 decibels, and can cause long-term damage to our hearing. In addition to noise-related hearing loss, which is affecting more and more people, loud noises can also lead to tinnitus or even sonic trauma.

Persistent noise affects not only our ears, but also our whole bodies. This is because every disruptive noise puts the body into a state of alert. This causes the excretion of stress hormones, a faster heartbeat, increased blood pressure and more rapid breathing. Further consequences of noise stress can include concentration problems, impaired performance, sleep problems, high blood pressure and even cardiovascular disease.
With the right hearing protection, you can effectively prevent hearing damage and other risks to your health.

Do I need hearing protection?

The point at which noise becomes disruptive or unpleasant varies from person to person. The pain threshold is set at 120 decibels (dB), but street noise, engine noise or even a visit to a disco involving values of over 80 dB can impair health. But exactly how loud is one decibel, or even 10 decibels?

Strategies for protecting your hearing

To avoid hearing loss, you should follow a few tips on how to protect your hearing. They are easy to follow and help to ensure that your ears are less exposed to harmful noise, allowing you to continue enjoying problem-free hearing.

Turn it down!

Radio, TV, MP3 players: Ensure that you do not go above a certain volume level. It's better to keep it quieter.

Reduce sources of noise!

Reduce the number of parallel sources of noise. Simultaneous conversations, music on the computer and running electrical appliances can place a strain on the ears.

Buy quiet appliances!

Washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator: Look out for the decibel rating when purchasing electrical appliances: The lower the rating, the quieter the appliance and the better it is for your ears.

Keep your distance!

Stay as far away as possible from the source of the noise. If it gets too loud, move even further away, even if it means leaving the room.

Wear hearing protection!

If you’re doing anything noisy, such as mowing the lawn or sawing wood, you should always wear hearing protection. A circular saw can generate noise levels of 110 dB, which is just below the pain threshold.

Protect your hearing!

Conversations, ringing telephones, listening to music, and approaching cars: Hearing is one of our most important senses, but we often take it for granted in daily life. To ensure that we can rely on our hearing for the rest of our lives, we need to make a conscious effort to protect it.

Shut your ears!

Adults need to be reminded to do something that comes reflexively to children: If there is a sudden, loud noise, put your hands over your ears and move away!

By following these simple tips, you can make sure your ears continue to provide you with optimal hearing performance. You won’t have to miss a single sound!

What types of hearing protection are available?

To protect your ears from loud noises, and safeguard you from the associated impacts on your health, there is a wide range of hearing protection available to suit every situation and every need. In the following section, you can find out more about the most important categories of hearing protection:

Capsule hearing protection (ear muffs with strap)

Capsule hearing protection provides excellent sound insulation and can be worn either directly on the head, or attached to a safety helmet. Some models fold easily and can be used in the event of very loud noises or short-term exposure.

Plastic earplugs

These earplugs feature grip stems and a cord, depending on the model. This makes them quicker to insert and remove. They are thus ideal for working environments with alternating loud and quiet periods. They are also available mounted on a band.

Earmolds

An impression of your ear canal is taken, which is then used to create personalized hearing protection. Personal hearing protection earmolds provide a high level of comfort and come with various sound filters. This means that the right level of noise protection can be selected for every occasion. Specially designed earplugs are available for musicians and concert-goers, motorcyclists and swimmers.

If you are exposed to loud environments, or if loud noises make you anxious or unable to concentrate, hearing protection is certainly recommended. Thanks to various filters and different levels of sound insulation, appropriate hearing protection is available for a range of leisure activities. Whether swimming, motorcycling, doing DIY, or attending a festival, you can find the ideal hearing protection for every occasion here. Our audiologists are happy to help you choose.