Ears are delicate organs that must not be bombarded with loud sounds throughout the day. Although some sounds are pleasant, others can be extremely harmful, leading to partial or complete hearing loss. Unfortunately, hearing loss is one of the most commonly reported physical occupational diseases in the world. Most workers are exposed to high noise levels during their working hours. The bad news is that hearing loss is always permanent. Once you have lost your power of hearing, you cannot reverse it. The silver lining is that it is possible to prevent hearing loss, and this is where hearing protectors come to the rescue.
What is Noise-Induced Hearing loss (NIHL)?
NIHL is an irreversible and permanent condition that takes place when the cells in the inner ear become stiff and damaged due to prolonged exposure to dangerous levels of noise. Once these cells are damaged, they cannot regenerate, and this results in a permanent decrease in hearing ability.
The damage to hearing from loud noises happens slowly, usually over the course of a few years. Hence, it is almost impossible to discover the damage at an early stage.
Besides temporary hearing disorder and permanent hearing loss, long-time exposure to noise causes hyperacusis and tinnitus. Even though hearing loss is a physical condition, it also affects one’s mental health. Individuals suffering from hearing loss feel limited in their social life, and this often leads to stress and depression.
What are The Common Sources of Harmful Noise?
The common sources of harmful noise are:
- Occupational noise – Workers working in manufacturing, construction and other industries with loud machinery.
- Regular noise – Lawnmowers, traffic noise and powerful tools.
- Recreational activities – Using loud earbuds or headphones, attending music events or concerts, participating in activities like motorsports and shooting.
What are Hearing Protectors?
Although it would be best to avoid exposure to loud noises by turning down the volume or moving away from the noise, this isn’t the best solution. For instance, if you are working in the construction industry, you have to work around machines that make loud noises, and there’s no way you can turn down this noise.
Hence, the next best solution is using hearing protectors. These are wearable devices that can lower the intensity of the noise entering your ears. By wearing hearing protectors at work and in regular life, you can reduce the impact of a noisy environment and the risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss.
Different types of hearing protectors are available, and the most popular ones are:
- Canal caps – Canal caps resemble earplugs on a metal band or flexible plastic, and their earplug tips might be made of pre-moulded or formable material. It can be worn behind the neck, over the head or under the chin. However, please note that the canal caps only close the ear opening. Hence, if you are exposed to dangerous levels of noise, this might not be the best option.
- Moulded earplugs – A moulded earplug is made in the laboratory and customised after taking a mould or impression of the ear canals of specific individuals. These earplugs fit snugly, don’t fall out and never hurt.
- Earmuffs – These are made from sound-attenuating materials and soft ear cushions to block out noise. Earmuffs fully cover the outer ear and can be used in conjunction with earplugs for added protection.
Why is it Important to Choose the Right Hearing Protectors?
Choosing the right hearing protectors is important because prolonged exposure to dangerous levels of noise damages the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. The damage is permanent and irreversible, resulting in hearing loss. Hearing protectors create a protective barrier, reducing the sound intensity and safeguarding these hair cells. Here are some more reasons to choose and wear the right hearing protectors:
- Reducing tinnitus – Tinnitus is a persistent buzzing or ringing in the ears, and it is a common symptom of NIHL. Wearing hearing protectors won’t cure this condition, but it will prevent it from worsening.
- Enhanced communication in noisy environments – If you are working in loud settings, it might be difficult to communicate with your team members or colleagues. This is where hearing protectors come in handy. These decrease the background noise, so it is easier for you to hear and comprehend speech.
- Decreases fatigue and stress – Constant exposure to excessive noise causes fatigue, stress, and headaches and makes it difficult to concentrate. Hearing protectors offer a buffer so that your physical and mental well-being is improved.
- Augmented situational awareness and safety – Safeguarding your hearing also means better situational awareness when you are working in hazardous environments. While wearing hearing protectors, you will be able to hear alarms and warning signals and communicate with colleagues. This results in enhancing the overall workplace safety.
Simply put, hearing loss can significantly impact your life, affecting social interactions, communications, and overall well-being. By choosing the right hearing protectors, you will be able to effectively protect your ears and prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
How do you Choose the Right Hearing Protectors?
The different factors to consider when choosing hearing protectors are:
- NRR – NRR or noise reduction rating is an indication of how many decibels a hearing protector can reduce noise if worn correctly. You must opt for an NRR that protects your ears in your specific environment.
- Compatibility with other equipment – If you need to wear safety helmets, glasses or other gear, select hearing protectors that seamlessly integrate without compromising protection and comfort levels.
- Comfort – You have to wear hearing protectors, usually for long hours. Hence, comfort is paramount. Your ears must not hurt if you are wearing them throughout the day.
- Reusability and hygiene – You can choose between reusable and disposable hearing protectors. Carefully find out the replacement implications and maintenance routine of each.
The Bottom Line
Hearing loss may happen instantly, but it is generally a gradual process. The best approach is to protect your hearing from the start, and this is why hearing protectors are a wise investment that improves the quality of life and long-term health.
