The ability to hear gets affected with age, just like eyesight. Most people will have hearing problems as they near sixty and grow older, but many people have hearing problems due to loud noises at their workplaces.
“From mining to construction, manufacturing to engineering jobs, loud noises can damage hearing thus causing partial or complete loss of hearing.”
Physical injuries or accidents can also damage hearing. To prevent any adverse effects on hearing, people should use different types of hearing protection.
The choice of hearing protection can be based upon the nature of the sound one is exposed to, and also the preference of the employers/employees.
Loss of hearing rarely develops overnight, although physical injuries and accidents can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.
“In most cases, loss of hearing develops over years of exposure to loud noises, usually sounds higher than eighty-five decibels.”
In many cases, people suffer from tinnitus, ear infections, and irritations before experiencing a concerning loss of hearing.
Loss of hearing can be
- Temporary or Permanent
- Transient or worsening, depending on the cause and the level of precaution taken
Timely intervention and medical care, coupled with one of the more effective types of hearing protection, can be a surefire remedy.
Types of Hearing Protection
There are more than half a dozen types of hearing protection.
1. Foam Earplugs
These are common in construction sites and factories. Many companies make it imperative for employees or the workers and even visitors to wear foam earplugs while they are onsite.
Foam earplugs are cheap so they are often the more preferred option but they are not the best among the different types of hearing protection. They cause irritation in the ears and may be used with dirty hands and fingers.
This can increase the risk of infections in the ears. Foam earplugs are used and thrown. They are not for prolonged and repeated use.
2. Wax Earplugs
Are a little better than foam earplugs. They are affordable but a little costlier than foam earplugs.
Wax earplugs tend to seal the ears and the space around them, so you don’t hear anything. You would have a feeling that you cannot hear.
They are thrown after usage and are not ideal for workplaces where people need to coordinate with one another. Workers who must listen to the sound of a machine or at least hear organic and ambient sound cannot use wax balls.
3. Earmuffs
Are another option. There are many types of earmuffs, and the models can vary in design as well as the level of hearing protection they offer.
Earmuffs are like safety helmets. Earmuffs come in different sizes for kids and adults. Earmuffs would typically cover the entire ear.
While earmuffs are suitable for cold conditions, they can irritate the ears and the area around the ears in warmer climates, especially if there is substantial relative humidity.
4. Silicon Plugs
Are a better alternative to foam plugs. The two look similar, but silicon plugs are made of better material, and they don’t cause any irritating sensation.
Silicon plugs can protect the auditory canal, but they are not supported by any larger structure or form. Hence, they may fall off. Silicon plugs are also used and thrown.
5. Universal Earplugs
Are a more popular choice these days. They block the auditory canal and tend to isolate the auditory senses.
However, one gets to hear the ambient sound, so a person wearing universal earplugs doesn’t feel shut off from all noises or environmental noise.
There is a filter system inside the universal earplugs that can attain different levels of noise cancellation. There are many types of universal earplugs.
Companies making these can also tweak the design and filters to suit specific industries, workplace hazards, and operation-specific noises.
6. Otoplastics: Customized Hearing Protection
Otoplastics are specialized, custom-molded hearing protection devices widely used by musicians, motorcyclists, and racecar drivers. While they represent a higher initial investment than disposable options, their durability and comfort make them a cost-effective long-term solution. When well-maintained, high-quality otoplastics can last for years.
Design and Performance
The effectiveness of otoplastics depends heavily on their design and the specific filters used. They can be customized to suit various operational needs, balancing noise attenuation (muffler value) with user comfort and the required level of noise cancellation. Unlike standard earplugs, they are designed to reduce dangerous noise levels without completely isolating the wearer from their environment, ensuring situational awareness remains intact.
Safety and Comfort
Designed for long-term wear, otoplastics do not irritate or pose risks to the auditory canal or surrounding ear region. They are a sustainable choice for those who require daily protection against occupational hazards. Employers should assess the specific decibel levels their staff are exposed to and provide adequate hearing protection to ensure a safe working environment.