Protecting your hearing is important when you're regularly exposed to loud sounds. Whether you work in a noisy environment, enjoy music and concerts, participate in recreational activities or use loud equipment, the right hearing protection can help reduce your exposure to potentially harmful noise.
Fischer Hearing Centre can help you explore hearing protection options based on your activities, environment and individual needs.
Why Is Hearing Protection Important?
Repeated or prolonged exposure to loud sounds can affect your hearing. Hearing protection can help reduce the amount of sound reaching your ears when you're exposed to noisy environments.
The right type of protection depends on the level and type of noise you're exposed to and how you plan to use it.
Who Can Benefit From Hearing Protection?
Hearing protection may be appropriate for people exposed to loud sounds through:
- Workplace environments
- Construction and industrial settings
- Power tools and machinery
- Hunting and shooting activities
- Concerts and live music
- Motorsports
- Recreational activities
- Other high-noise environments
Choosing the Right Hearing Protection
Not all hearing protection is the same. The best option depends on your environment and how you need to hear while wearing it.
Our team can help you consider factors such as:
- The type and level of noise
- How frequently you're exposed to loud sounds
- Comfort and fit
- Communication requirements
- Your specific activity or workplace
- Whether custom protection is appropriate
Custom Hearing Protection
Custom hearing protection is designed to fit your individual ears and can provide a personalized option for specific hearing protection needs.
Depending on your activities and requirements, custom solutions may be worth considering when comfort, fit and regular use are important.
Ask About Custom Hearing Protection
Hearing Protection for Work & Recreation
Your hearing protection needs can differ depending on where and how you're exposed to noise.
Workplace Hearing Protection
If you're regularly exposed to loud machinery, equipment or other occupational noise, appropriate hearing protection can form part of your overall hearing conservation approach.
Recreational Hearing Protection
Concerts, motorsports, power tools and other recreational activities can also involve high levels of noise. Hearing protection can help you enjoy these activities while reducing your exposure to loud sounds.
Find the Right Hearing Protection for You
Not sure which hearing protection is right for your needs? Our team can help you understand your options and find a solution suited to your environment and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hearing Protection
Anytime a situation or environment is uncomfortably loud, you should wear hearing protection. Because this is subjective, the correct answer is any situation where sound is 90 decibels (dB) and above, hearing protection should be worn.
Concerts are typically 100-120 dB, which far exceeds the safety limit of 85 dB. Sounds over 100 dB can cause permanent inner ear damage after just 15 minutes. Protect those ears and remember Musician’s plugs preserve the integrity and sound of the concert.
Musicians protect their ears. You should too!
All of them! Any ear protection with a high Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 30 dB of higher is great protection. Anything that is comfortable, and easy to wear, and will increase the likelihood for consistent use is the right choice for you. A discussion with your Audiologist will ensure you find something appropriate for your noise levels and your budget.
These are specialized earplugs or earmolds built specifically for you. These provide a reliable acoustic seal that prevents any sound from entering the canal and causing damage. These can be engineered for music, or construction sounds, or any loud sounds in your environment. They tend to be the most comfortable as they are made specifically for your ear.
Yes, you can still hear conversations while wearing hearing protection. The voices may sound quieter, and perhaps muffled due to the attenuation. There are many options available. Your Audiologist will help guide you to a solution that is both comfortable and beneficial for your specific needs.
If your noise levels exceed 85 dB over the course of an 8-hour workday, you need hearing protection.
If you must raise your voice to talk to someone an arm’s length away, the noise is likely too loud. If your ears ring at the end of a shift, the noise is likely too loud.
85 dB: Is like a loud power tool.
90-95 dB: Circular saws, routers or general factory machinery.
100+ dB: Mitre saws, heavy impact equipment, this level of sound often requires double protection such as earplugs and muffs.
Remember, if you have to ask, it is probably too loud!
