4 Times You Need to Wear Hearing Protection

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Your ears and your hearing are extremely sensitive, and any loud sounds can cause damage to the ears and result in hearing loss. When the tiny hairs in your ears become damaged, there is no way to reverse this, and it will result in permanent hearing loss. While some hearing loss can be restored in the event of illnesses or blockages, if you're damaging the hairs within your ears that transit sounds for processing, then you won't be able to recover this hearing. 

But what sounds can damage hearing? Typically, noises that are as loud as a busy street or a vacuum cleaner can cause hearing damage. These are roughly equivalent to 85 decibels. While this level of noise on occasion doesn't always cause damage in isolation, constant exposure can lead to hearing loss. 

There are many situations where noise levels can contribute to hearing loss, and this post will examine instances where it may be preferable to use hearing protection to prevent hearing loss. 

Construction 

If you work in construction or are constantly around construction-related activities, this can impact your hearing. In fact, studies have shown that construction workers are among the most at-risk for hearing loss due to their work environment, and the constant onslaught of noise can cause irreversible damage to your hearing. 

It's a good idea to find comfortable hearing protection that allows you to remain in these environments for the required duration of time and limits the damage caused by exposure to excessive noise levels. For construction, earmuffs or earplugs that are designed to reduce noise levels while still allowing you to hear important sounds can be a good choice.

Shooting

Shotting is a hobby many people enjoy on a regular basis, but being close to loud sounds and rapid noises from gunfire can damage hearing. A typical gunshot can be anywhere from 150 to 170 decibels, which is well above the level required to impact hearing. Wearing ear protection is vital, and the right shooting ear protection can provide both safety and comfort, allowing you to do what you love without suffering the consequences. 

Music Venues 

Working in music venues or in close proximity to loud music can leave you vulnerable to hearing damage, and while listening to music at high volumes can really be quite the experience, frequently engaging in such environments can be detrimental to your hearing health. 

With the average concert coming in around 100 decibels, it's not too far over the 85 threshold that can cause damage, but the potential is there for hearing loss. 

Gardening 

This is one area that many people don't realise can be harmful to their ears. Many power tools can reach volumes exceeding harmful levels, and if you're working in the garden for your home on a regular basis or you're in the gardening and landscape sector, choosing the right hearing protection can allow you to limit the impact gardening equipment can have on your hearing and preserve it that little bit longer.