Hearing Protection

Unlike your eyes, your ears can’t close themselves to protect against damaging stimuli. That’s why it’s important to understand what can damage your hearing and how you can protect it.

AudioNova™ is designed around advanced filter technology. These filters let you limit and even remove sound and loud noise which may be damaging for your ears – without sacrificing things like conversation and situational awareness.

Our ears play a crucial role in our lives, allowing us to experience the richness of sound in various environments. However, exposure to excessive noise poses a silent threat known as noise-induced hearing loss. 

Our ability to hear connects us to the world, facilitating conversations, enabling the enjoyment of music, and allowing us to listen to  the sounds of nature. The ability to hear these day to day sounds is essential for a better quality of life. Beyond communication, our hearing plays a vital role in our emotional well-being, keeping us engaged, connected, and experiencing life to the fullest.

Just as we shield our eyes from the sun, our ears need safeguarding too. Investing in the right hearing protection helps maintain our ears' functionality, allowing them to accurately perceive sounds in our environment.  

Explore our extensive range of hearing protection solutions.

The volume of different sounds plays a huge role in maintaining our hearing. Measured in decibels (dBA), sound volume is not just a metric but a key to determine potential harm to our hearing. NIDCD research indicates that long-term or repeated exposure to sounds louder than 85dBA can be detrimental, causing gradual hearing loss over time. 
Think about  a busy city, where the perpetual hum of traffic, construction sites, and public spaces can often exceed safe sound levels. The noise from electronic devices, concerts, or even household appliances may also add  to this auditory challenge. Understanding the risks associated with these everyday sounds is essential for safeguarding our hearing.

Here are a few examples of harmful sounds:

• Traffic roar: commuting, where the constant hum of engines, honks, and road noise can surpass safe decibel levels.
• Concerts: live music comes with a range of sounds like applause, amplified music, and cheering crowds, which can expose our ears to potentially harmful noise levels.
• Power tools: power tools during construction or home improvement projects can produce sustained loud noises, posing a risk to our hearing health.
• Electronics: prolonged use of headphones at high volumes, often underestimated, can contribute to hearing damage over time.

By understanding these examples, it’s clear to see the proactive measures that need to be taken in order to protect our hearing health. For an in-depth exploration of everyday sounds and their potential impact on hearing, explore our guide on noise levels of everyday sounds. 

Safeguarding your hearing is important for protecting against noise-induced hearing loss. Here's how you can protect your ears in various scenarios and reduce exposure to loud noises:

• Concerts: the decibel levels at concerts can reach harmful extremes. Consider wearing earplugs that are used by musicians to enjoy the music without compromising your hearing.
• Construction workplace: construction sites produce high-intensity sounds from machinery and tools. So, it’s vital to wear hearing protection to reduce noise and limit the damaging levels of sound that occur. Opt for earmuffs or earplugs to create a sonic shield, reducing the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.
• Bedroom: even during sleep, our ears are not immune to disturbances. If you live in a noisy environment, custom-fit earplugs can create a quiet environment, helping you have a peaceful night's sleep.

Tips for noise reduction

Whether you’re at work, home, or out, implementing these strategies can significantly minimise the impact of loud sounds on your ears:

• Use quieter equipment: where possible, choose quieter appliances and tools to minimise noise generation. Look for devices with lower decibel ratings to create a quieter environment.
• Maintain safe distances: keeping a safe distance from loud sources can significantly reduce the impact of noise on your ears. Whether it's fireworks, loud machinery, or live music, find a comfortable distance.

The power of ear protection

Discover the impact of ear protection in preserving your auditory well-being. Earplugs and earmuffs shield your ears from the harmful effects of loud noises and reduce sound to safe levels. 

You can use the various forms of protection  to create a safer environment:

• Earplugs: custom-fit earplugs offer a tailored solution. Whether you're attending a concert, working in a loud environment, or trying to get some quality sleep, they provide effective noise reduction and reduce background noise.
• Earmuffs or ear defenders: ideal for industrial settings or situations where prolonged exposure to loud or harmful noise is unavoidable, earmuffs create a physical barrier and protect your ears .

While these tips can provide basic protection, seeking professional advice is crucial for personalised solutions. Audiologists can assess your specific needs and recommend the most effective hearing protection measures tailored to your lifestyle.

Find an audiologist near you today.

When it comes to choosing the right hearing protection, understanding your specific needs and comfort preferences is key.

Correct insertion and removal of earplugs

Maintaining the effectiveness of earplugs requires mastering how to insert and remove them. Roll or compress the earplug with clean hands to reduce its size. Gently pull your ear upward and outward to straighten the ear canal, then insert the earplug quickly and comfortably. Hold it in place for a few seconds, allowing it to expand and form a snug seal.

 Importance of hygiene

Maintaining hygiene is crucial when using earplugs. Regular cleaning prevents ear infections and means you’ll get more use out of them.  Dirty earplugs can introduce bacteria to the ear canal, leading to discomfort and potential health issues. Prioritise cleanliness to contribute to the longevity of your earplugs and safeguard your ear health.

Tips for cleaning and storage

	Use mild soap and water: clean earplugs with mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the material.
	Air dry completely: after washing, allow earplugs to air dry completely before storing them. Make sure they’re free from moisture to prevent bacterial growth.
	Store in a clean case: use a designated case to store earplugs when not in use. This protects them from dust, debris, and potential contamination.
	Replace when necessary: earplugs have a lifespan. Replace them periodically, especially if they show signs of wear or if the material loses its integrity.

Selecting the right earplugs can be crucial to helping  protect your hearing health.  Consider factors like noise level, duration of exposure, and personal comfort preferences when choosing ear protection. Foam, silicone, and custom-moulded earplugs offer varied options catering to different needs and situations.

Take a proactive stance in preserving your hearing by investing in suitable ear protection. Whether you're attending concerts, working in noisy environments, or enjoying water-related activities, Boots Hearingcare has a tailored solution to suit your needs. Don't wait – prioritise your hearing health today for a future of clear and undisturbed sounds.

Ready to prioritise your hearing health? Book a hearing test with us today.