“What causes hearing loss?”
While the question may seem simple, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you think.
Noise, not age, is the most common cause of hearing loss. According to the National Institute of Health, 15% of Americans between the ages of 20 and 69 have hearing loss caused by loud noises.
Listening to loud music, going to concerts, hearing sirens, using lawnmowers and leaf blowers, car alarms, and even hair dryers can harm your hearing.
How Sound Is Measured
Sound is measured in units called decibels, or dB for short. Decibels tell us how loud a sound is. The higher the number, the louder the sound.
When we hear sounds that are too loud, especially if they are above 85 decibels, it can hurt our ears.
Listening to loud sounds for a long time can cause hearing loss, making it harder to hear things clearly.
Here are some examples to help you understand decibels:
- A whisper is about 30 dB.
- Normal conversation is around 60 dB.
- A busy street can be about 70 to 85 dB.
- Listening to music with headphones at a high volume can be over 100 dB.
Our ears can handle sounds up to a certain level without any problems. But if we keep hearing sounds over 85 dB, it can damage the tiny hair cells in our ears.
These hair cells help us hear, but once they are damaged, they can’t grow back, which could lead to permanent hearing loss.
This is why protecting our ears from loud sounds is important.
We can do this by reducing the volume, wearing ear protection like earplugs, and taking breaks from noisy places.
The Importance of Using Hearing Protection
There are different types of hearing protection. Earplugs and earmuffs are common and easy to find. Earplugs fit inside your ears and are great for blocking out noise. Earmuffs cover your ears completely and can be more comfortable for some people.
Another great option is customized hearing protection. An audiologist can make earplugs that fit your ears perfectly. These custom earplugs are comfortable and provide excellent protection.
Audiologists at Audio Help Hearing can advise you on protecting your hearing in various situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does custom hearing protection last?
Custom hearing protection can last for several years, usually around 3 to 5 years, if you take good care of it. These devices are designed for your ears, so they fit perfectly and protect against loud noises. However, the materials can wear out over time, and your ears might change shape as you grow, affecting how well the protection fits.
What are the 3 types of hearing protection?
- Earplugs: Earplugs are small and fit inside your ear. They are made of foam, silicone, or wax and can be carried easily in your pocket or bag. Earplugs are great for blocking loud noises at concerts, during sleep, or in noisy work environments.
- Earmuffs: Earmuffs look like big headphones and cover your entire ear. They have a headband that keeps them in place. Earmuffs are easy to put on and take off. They are often used in noisy places like construction sites, airports, or shooting ranges.
- Custom-Fit Devices: Custom-fit devices are made to fit your ears perfectly. They are very comfortable and can be used for many activities, such as swimming, motorcycling, or attending loud events.
Audiologists and Custom Hearing Protection In NYC
Remember, protecting your hearing now means you can enjoy all the sounds you love for years to come. Whether at a concert, working with loud tools, or just mowing the lawn, always think about your ears and use hearing protection!
If you need to see an audiologist and get customized hearing protection, we can help.
Audio Help Hearing Centers connect you to expert audiologists with years of experience.
Audio Help has three New York City offices conveniently located in Manhattan (Chelsea Village, Columbus Circle, and Park Avenue) and additional offices in Scarsdale, NY (Westchester County) and Stamford, CT.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
