Most of the sounds we experience in our everyday world are safe and do not damage our hearing. However, even the most familiar sounds can become harmful when they are too loud or long-lasting. Hearing loss can occur immediately or over time, and can be temporary or permanent. Early signs may be muffled noises that make it difficult to understand what others are saying, constantly turning up the volume on the television, or a ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
Excessive noise exposure is the most common cause of preventable hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is a permanent hearing impairment that affects an individual's ability to understand normal speech. It can be caused by overexposure to a loud noise or by extremely loud bursts of sound, such as an explosion or gun shot. It is one of the most common occupational illnesses.
If left unprotected, debris like water, sand or dirt can get into the ear canal and cause inflammation known as Swimmer's Ear. The thin layer of skin lining the ear canal becomes infected by bacteria. Symptoms can include pain, itching, swelling, drainage and hearing loss. Usually the pain is worse if you wiggle your ear lobe, or when you chew. Swimmer's ear symptoms are usually mild at first, but they may get worse if your infection isn't treated or spreads.
Protective Ear Plugs
Wearing custom-fitted protective ear plugs can benefit those subjected to noise-induced hearing loss from loud blasts, wind noise, power tools, loud engine noise or industrial motors. With proper fitting ear protection, medical studies have indicated a reduction in worker accidents, hearing loss, depression, irritability, vertigo, nausea, high blood pressure, headaches and the risk of auditory damage. Custom-made molded ear plugs are the best option for personalized protection from noise, debris and water. Made from medical grade materials, each plug is created from an ear mold to exactly fit your ear.
