Hearing Protection Services

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Not all hearing loss is created equal— sometimes, it happens because of health conditions or aging. Sometimes, it happens because of exposure to loud noise through lifestyle choices. This is called noise-induced hearing loss, or NIHL. Fortunately, this is one of the most preventable types of hearing loss with the right protective gear. With the help of our expert team, you can enjoy the things you love most with our custom hearing protection products.

What is Hearing Protection and Why Is It Important?

Hearing protection can come in the form of simple, foam earplugs that you can buy at the store. However, hearing protection can also be custom-molded to your unique ear shape for better fit and protection. Hearing protection is extremely important because noise-induced hearing loss can begin to set in with regular exposure to noises that reach as little as 85 decibels (dB). For perspective, this can be the same noise level as the average motorcycle, noisy environment (such as a restaurant), or even any conversation where you have to shout to be heard. In these cases, hearing protection can dampen the sound and protect your ears from damage and overexertion over the long term.

Who Needs Hearing Protection?

Virtually anyone can benefit from hearing protection during certain activities. That being said, people who make a living or spend large amounts of leisure time doing the following things should definitely consider investing in customized hearing protection:

  • Concert-goers
  • Musicians
  • Workers who spend time around machinery
  • Hunters and sportsmen
  • Motorists and motorcyclists
  • Sporting event attendees

Although your hearing can usually recover from occasional exposure to noises during these activities, you should consider hearing protection when you do these activities regularly. Over time, regular exposure to these noises can take a toll on your hearing, requiring more aggressive treatment with hearing aids.

Why Is Custom Protection Better Than Over-the-Counter?

Although generic earplugs can be beneficial in a pinch, it’s important to consider some custom hearing protection when your lifestyle demands it. There are a lot of benefits of custom-fitted hearing protection, including a better fit, better protection, and reusability (meaning they can be an investment rather than a one-time use). Additionally, modern-day hearing protection is very technologically advanced and can come with features like noise cancellation and ventilation so that you get a beautiful listening experience while still protecting your hearing. On the other hand, earplugs can simply dampen your overall hearing ability and make it difficult to hear the things you want while blocking out excessive noise.

Using our proprietary H.E.A.R. Method™ Treatment Program, our audiologists can help determine the custom hearing protection that will best suit your needs and lifestyle. This includes thorough evaluation, careful consideration of your unique needs and goals, and fitting verification. The H.E.A.R. Method™ Treatment Program ensures that your custom hearing protection will be effective, worth your investment, and tailored to your specific needs. 

Schedule an Appointment

Our team is here to help you get the hearing protection you need to live your best life. To learn more about your options and get started on your customized hearing protection, we invite you to contact our Livingston office by calling or filling out our online form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hearing protection should ideally be worn in situations where the noise level is above 85 decibels. According to the Centers for Disease Control, this can generally be measured by whether you need to raise your voice to talk to someone who is at arm’s length away, or if your ears are ringing or sound flat.
Active hearing protection is a type of hearing protection that works to reduce noise level using sophisticated technology. This is different than traditional foam earplugs which simply dampen noise. Active hearing protection is generally more effective at managing noise levels than generic hearing protection.
It’s generally agreed that 85 decibels is the level at which you should make sure to wear hearing protection, especially for long periods of exposure. In most cases, things like concerts, lawnmowers, and snowmobiles function at this level and can damage your hearing when you’re exposed for over thirty minutes.
Although custom hearing protection can come at a higher cost than traditional ear plugs, it’s often more effective and worth the price in the long run. In most cases, custom hearing protection can cost around $100, whereas over-the-counter earplugs can cost much more over the course of a year when you use them regularly.
Custom hearing protection is generally made with molded medical-grade silicone, meaning they will last for many years. This makes them a great investment versus disposable foam earplugs.