Custom Hearing Protection
Approximately 40 million people in the United States have reported having hearing loss, and 10 million of those hearing losses are due to exposure to excessive noise. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss, or NIHL, is one of the biggest preventable causes of hearing loss.
Sound is measured in units called decibels (dB). The louder it is, the higher the reading in decibels. You can listen to sounds under 70 dB indefinitely. Sounds at 85 dB however, can lead to hearing loss if you are exposed to them for longer than eight hours.
Sounds over 85 dB could damage your hearing exponentially. The safe listening time is cut down by half for every 3-dB noise increase over 85 dB. 85 dB sounds can be listened to for up to 8 hours. If the noise is up to 88 dB, you're only able to safely listen to these sounds for up to four hours. And if the noise is up to 91 dB, your safe listening time is cut down to just two hours.
Two types of noise can cause damage to your ears
Excessive and Prolonged
If you are regularly exposed to noise over 90dB for a prolonged period of time, you are likely to develop noise-induced hearing loss over a number of years. This gradual hearing loss can go unnoticed for a long time.
Very Excessive and Short
A single loud sound or explosion that lasts less than one second may cause a permanent hearing loss instantly. That sound, called pulse noise or impact noise, can come from gunshots or fireworks. Impulse noise is measured at dB peak pressure, or dB. Sudden noise greater than 140 dB will instantly damage your ears.
Custom Hearing Protection at Finger Lakes Audiology
The secret to protecting your hearing is to understand how noise affects you.
The next move is to avoid loud noise as much as possible. Remember this: if you're going to have to yell to be heard, it's too loud in the place you are in. You will need to get away from the sound and protect your ears in some way.
Regardless of your work or pastime, Finger Lakes Audiology can help you find what you need to protect your hearing. Whether you're looking for maximum protection or just want to reduce certain frequencies, visit our office for more information on how we can help you prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
We offer custom protection for:
Hunters
Hearing protection is important for hunting, firearms and other sports because a single shot can cause permanent hearing loss. Our specially designed hearing protectors for hunters will help reduce the impact of impulse noise.
Musicians
Whether you are a performer or a music lover, we understand how important it is to maintain sound quality while protecting your hearing at loud concerts.
Swimming
Swimming, diving or simply showering can cause irritation or infection due to water which is trapped in the ear canal. With our swimming earplugs, you can keep your ears dry during your weekly laps.
