We are all aware that we should be taking measures to protect our hearing. While you may be making every effort to protect your hearing, there are some situations where you either can’t or it is made very difficult. Knowing that you are putting your hearing at risk can be difficult.
However, when you know what may be impeding your efforts, it is easier to take further steps to do what you can. Let’s take a look at three things that you should understand about hearing protection.
Using the Wrong Type of Hearing Protection Can Be Just as Damaging
Earmuffs and earplugs are the two most common types of hearing protection available. Earplugs are small and, as the name implies, can be put directly into the ear canal to provide protection. Earmuffs sit outside the ear, a little like music headphones.
When you are in an environment where there is a lot of noise, you should consider wearing earplugs as this is the most effective way to protect your hearing. Earmuffs should be worn in situations when loud sounds are more frequent but less intense.
Why is this? Well, it is quite simple. When there is less noise, you will want to take off or remove your hearing protection. This is much easier to do with earmuffs than earplugs, which can be a little more fiddly and much easier to lose.
By wearing the most appropriate hearing protection in the environment you are going to reduce the chances of causing lasting damage to your hearing.
Your Body Can Have an Effect on The Hearing Protection That You Use
There are numerous variations in body structures from one individual to the next. Some people have bigger noses, some people have longer fingers and other people have narrower ear canals. The size of your ear canals can make a difference to the type of hearing protection that you use.
Then there is the issue of interference with your hearing protection. Disposable hearing protection is typically marketed as a one-size-fits-all solution, or at the very least as a small, medium and large option. As a result, if you have very narrow ear canals, you may find it difficult to get earplugs to fit properly, leading you to give up and toss the earplugs away in despair altogether.
This can expose your hearing to damage, negating the benefit of the hearing protection you were trying to provide for yourself. The same scenario occurs if, for example, your ears are a little larger than average, making earmuff-style coverings uncomfortable. Individuals who work in noisy situations should consider investing in a pair of hearing protection that is specifically fitted to their needs.
Your Choice of Hearing Protection Needs to Be Checked for Signs of Wear and Damage
If you are wearing hearing protection on a regular basis, well done. You know the risks that not doing so can bring, and you are taking proactive steps to protecting your hearing. However, did you know that you need to check your chosen form of hearing protection regularly to make sure that they are not showing signs of wear and tear? If they are damaged, they are not going to be providing the level of protection that you would be hoping for.
If you are wearing earbuds that sit inside your ear, you need to clean them regularly. We all have earwax as it serves an important function in our body, protecting our ears from dirt and debris. However, it can build up on your earplugs and stop them from working as effectively as they should. Just make sure you do not drop them down the plug hole!
If you wear earmuffs, check the band that holds them across the head. If this begins to wear, it is not going to hold the earmuffs tight over your ears which means they are not going to be as effective at blocking out the noise. They will also need washing regularly. After a while, you may also find that the cushions on the ear muffs themselves need replacing, too.
Performing routine maintenance on your hearing protection is critical if you want to ensure that you continue to reap the benefits of that protection. Having an open and honest discussion with a highly qualified audiologist is a good option if you have any questions about how to go about it or how to make sure you are prepared for anything that could interfere with your protective hearing equipment. Speak to the team at GL Wyeno Hearing Specialists PC at (402) 463-2431 to find out more.
