Noise exposure is one of the leading causes of hearing loss. Whether temporary or permanent, untreated hearing issues cause persistent problems throughout life. Hearing protection is a useful investment for anyone that wants to safeguard their hearing in conditions with unsafe noise levels. Midwest Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists, P.C. can guide patients to the best protection choice for their particular needs.
Hearing protection types
Your protection needs determine the type of earplug or earmold needed for an individual. Some models have multiple functions and are perfect for daily use. Keeping a few different types on hand allows for the best compatibility so that hearing is protected at all times.
- Shooters: Hardware nullifies the sound of a gunshot
- Motorcyclists: Stops wind buffeting when traveling at high speeds
- Construction workers: Cuts down on environmental noise caused by equipment
- Sleeping: Used to block out distracting noises while resting
- Swimming: Floats on water, and stops water from going into the ear canal
Musician’s earplugs and monitors
Musical artists have to take their hearing seriously in order to earn a living. Earplugs for musicians normalizes sounds in the studio without affecting the quality of music. Even when the notes are high, hearing is protected without interfering with the creation process.
Wedges are used in live concerts to help performers hear better. The downside is the amount of space the speaker setup takes, along with the dangers of the loud sounds they emit. In-ear monitoring is used by musicians that want to hear better in concert without any of the downsides of wedges. Instead of large speakers on the stage, small in-ear monitors are used. Since the volume can be adjusted for each ear, it offers an incredible amount of flexibility when in a packed room.
Earmolds and earplugs
Earmolds can be spongy, soft or solid. Custom earmolds protect hearing without cutting down on real-world verbal communication. Noise-induced hearing loss is greatly reduced when custom earmolds are worn.
arplugs are easier to hide and rest in the canal. Ear canal shapes can be different for each ear, so customized versions are recommended. When an earplug isn’t allowed to rest comfortably in place, it limits the effectiveness. Earplugs are available with special features that make it ideal for a specific hobby, sport or profession.
Hearing Protection Products We Offer Include:
Hunting:
Hunting, shooting and sudden noise. A filter instantaneously closes when damaging noise levels are reached. Allows essentially normal hearing at all other times.
Music:
Ideal for performing musicians and concert-goers. Also great for flight attendants, bartenders, waiters, dental professionals. Allows wearer to hear sounds accurately, but at reduced levels. Three filter options available: 9dB, 15dB or 25dB.
Swimming:
For swimming and showering – and they FLOAT! Also provide superb noise reduction.
Sleep:
Offers comfortable and uninterrupted rest. Also great for shift workers with non-traditional hours.
Motorsport:
Designed with a hollow canal for under helmet use to reduce wind buffeting.
Surf:
Designed to prevent surfer’s ear and swimmer’s ear caused by exposure to cold water and wind. The floatable material is molded with a sealed membrane spanning the sound bore that keeps cold water and air out of the ear canal, but allows for conversation and hearing while in the ear.
Occupational:
Ideal for high-noise industrial environments.
iCustom:
For use with any bud/button style earphones.
DefendEar 1:
Amplification for situational awareness, as well as noise attenuation when you pull the trigger.
DefendEar 2:
Offers two modes, game, which is optimized for intermittent shots, and clay mode, which is optimized for continued shots.
DefendEar Hunter:
Offers standard digital features and provides protection in windy environments.