Sudden or prolonged exposure to noise isn’t just an annoyance—it can lead to irreversible hearing loss, one of the leading causes of this condition. By the time the damage is detected, it is often too late to reverse the effects.
Hearing protection becomes crucial for anyone frequently exposed to high-noise environments. This isn’t restricted to professionals like target shooters, motorcyclists, airline pilots, musicians, construction workers, or factory workers. The reality is, anyone who faces consistent noise exposure should seriously consider proper hearing protection to safeguard their long-term hearing health.
Particular noises pose an increased risk with repeated exposure. The roaring of lawn mowers, growling truck engines, screaming motorcycles, clattering garbage trucks, buzzing chain saws, pounding pneumatic drills, blaring rock concerts, booming gunshots, and howling jet engines are just some examples of the sounds that can wreak havoc on your hearing.
While off-the-shelf earplugs provide a level of protection, custom earmolds and earplugs are in a league of their own. They’re designed to offer maximum protection in a comfortable fit tailored specifically for your ears. With custom ear protection, you’re not just securing your hearing—you’re investing in peace of mind, knowing that you’re giving your ears the best possible defense against hearing loss.
Custom Earmolds
Earmolds come in a wide variety of sizes and types. Some earmolds are solid, and some are soft or spongy. The most popular styles are full shell and half shell. Full shell earmolds are generally for high-level noise exposure, while half shell are for mid-level noise exposure. The type of earmold your audiologist recommends will depend on your individual needs.
Some earmolds come with a filtered attenuator, allowing for verbal communication while still protecting hearing, which is popular with musicians. These types of earmolds come in both electronic and non-electronic models. Earmolds are also popular for fitting over certain earbud headphones, under pilot boom-mic headsets, and other specialty uses.
As the name implies, custom earmolds are made custom to fit the unique contour of your ear. If you cannot get a comfortable or secure fit with traditional earplugs, custom earmolds may be for you. They offer some of the best hearing protection available.
Custom Earplugs
Earplugs are hearing protection that are usually for the canal only. Some earplugs are solid, while others allow for more sound to pass through. Specialized earplugs are available for musicians and medical professionals who still want the ability to hear most of their surroundings while protecting their hearing.
Specialty earplugs can be custom fit for your ear canal, and are usually more comfortable than traditional earplugs. Custom earplugs come both with or without handles or detachable cords.
Earmolds and earplugs are not just for those who wish to protect themselves from high noise levels. Custom solutions are also available for other types of ear protection, such as custom ear plugs for swimmers.
Whatever your unique lifestyle, your audiologist has custom solutions to fit your needs. Your hearing is important. Take care to protect it for today and for the future. If you work in a high-noise environment, it’s important to have regular hearing appointments to check for early indications of hearing loss. Speak with your audiologist today about the right solution for you.