Hearing loss protection is important. Excessive noise exposure can cause hearing damage. It is critical to realize hearing loss prevention is the best protection against hearing damage.
In today’s world, permanent hearing loss due to harmful noise exposure is as much of an issue for children and teens as it is for adults. That’s why the audiologists at Albuquerque Hearing and Balance offer the practical advice, services and products you need to preserve your hearing ability.
Protection against hearing loss
As a general rule, if you are at arm’s length and have to shout to be heard, this noise exposure level might cause hearing damage.
Hearing loss prevention is simple, but requires the proper guidance. We can advise patients on the best earplugs (non-custom and custom) and earmuffs for your needs.
Earmolds and earplugs
Custom earmolds and earplugs are made to fit a specific individual’s ear shape. With this custom shape, the accessory does a better job of keeping sound out or letting it in. This is a massive performance improvement over generic options and is preferred to combat noise exposure. Custom variants of earplugs with special features rely on a custom fit for better feature use.
Custom earmolds cover a larger part of the ear than earplugs. Their superior protection guards against loud noises in multiple high energy settings. Since it is made as an exact copy of the wearer’s ear, they are comfortable to wear for several hours a day.
Musician earplugs and monitors
A musician has to protect their ears in the studio when creating music and on stage when performing.
Musician’s earplugs automatically balance the highs and lows of music in a studio without affecting the quality. This same technology can be used by music listeners to override noise exposure during a live concert.
While performing live, musicians use in-ear monitors. This is considered a replacement for the bulkier wedges, and a much more portable option. In-ear monitors let musicians hear the music correctly while they’re performing.
Hearing protection types
There is no one size fits all solution that covers the many activities and jobs people have. Hearing protection takes this into account by creating different hardware types. Whether used for at home or work, they’re useful tools to combat the damage caused by overwhelming noise.
- Hunting: Automatically blocks out the sound of gunfire without affecting environmental sounds
- Motorsports: Stops wind buffeting when traveling at high speeds
- Sleeping: Allows for a more restful sleep, and is an alternative to white noise machines
- Swimming: Floats on water, and keeps water out of the ears while swimming
- Custom: Compatible with generic and brand-name stereo earbuds
Hearing Protection Products We Offer Include:
Hunting:
Hunting, shooting and sudden noise. A filter instantaneously closes when damaging noise levels are reached. Allows essentially normal hearing at all other times.
Music:
Ideal for performing musicians and concert-goers. Also great for flight attendants, bartenders, waiters, dental professionals. Allows wearer to hear sounds accurately, but at reduced levels. Three filter options available: 9dB, 15dB or 25dB.
Swimming:
For swimming and showering – and they FLOAT! Also provide superb noise reduction.
Sleep:
Offers comfortable and uninterrupted rest. Also great for shift workers with non-traditional hours.
Motorsport:
Designed with a hollow canal for under helmet use to reduce wind buffeting.
Surf:
Designed to prevent surfer’s ear and swimmer’s ear caused by exposure to cold water and wind. The floatable material is molded with a sealed membrane spanning the sound bore that keeps cold water and air out of the ear canal, but allows for conversation and hearing while in the ear.
Occupational:
Ideal for high-noise industrial environments.
iCustom:
For use with any bud/button style earphones.
DefendEar 1:
Amplification for situational awareness, as well as noise attenuation when you pull the trigger.
DefendEar 2:
Offers two modes, game, which is optimized for intermittent shots, and clay mode, which is optimized for continued shots.
DefendEar Hunter:
Offers standard digital features and provides protection in windy environments.