Custom Hearing Protection

We are exposed to sound on a daily basis. Volume levels vary considerably, and can easily exceed 85 decibels (dB) – the threshold that is considered safe. Any prolonged exposure to noise exceeding this is harmful and can cause permanent, irreversible hearing loss.

At Columbus Speech & Hearing, our experienced audiologists can help you prevent hearing loss with custom-made earplugs. Whether you work in a loud environment, shoot firearms, attend concerts, or simply want to protect your hearing from further harm, our team can help.

What Can Cause Hearing Loss?

Excess noise exposure isn’t the only cause of hearing damage. Diseases, drugs and injury may all contribute to hearing loss. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your hearing and help prevent hearing loss.

Exposure to Loud Noise

Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common cause of hearing loss in the U.S. The good news? It is easily preventable. Follow these tips to protect your hearing:

Wear hearing protection when exposed to loud noise. Earplugs are a must in noisy environments such as rock concerts and sporting events. They should also be worn when riding a motorcycle or snowmobile, mowing the lawn, using power tools, etc. If you work in a loud environment, OSHA has standards in place to protect you from loud noise.
When listening to music or watching television, keep the volume low.
Limit the number of noisy appliances running at the same time.

Diseases

Some diseases can cause hearing loss. Viruses that might damage hearing include measles, mumps, whooping cough and rubella. Bacterial diseases such as meningitis and syphilis can also lead to hearing damage. Acoustic neuromas – tumors on the hearing nerve (usually benign) – may contribute to hearing loss. Tips for preventing hearing loss from disease include:

Make sure your child is vaccinated. Immunizations offer protection from many childhood infections that can cause hearing damage.
Don’t delay seeking medical attention should you fall ill.

Ototoxic Drugs

Some drugs cause damage to the sensory cells responsible for hearing. These include certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, salicylate pain relievers (e.g., aspirin), quinine (for treating malaria) and diuretics. In order to reduce your odds of hearing loss when taking medications, follow these tips:

Take medications only as directed.
If you experience symptoms of hearing loss such as tinnitus while taking new drugs, see your doctor immediately.

Head Trauma

Head trauma can damage the temporal bones in the lower lateral walls of the skull, leading to hearing loss. To help prevent this type of injury, take the following precautions:

Wear a seat belt at all times when in a car.
Wear a helmet when riding a bike or motorcycle, and participating in contact sports.
Don’t take unnecessary risks, such as standing on the top rung of a ladder.

Other Causes

Other factors can cause hearing loss, which is why it is important to schedule an appointment with an audiology professional like the ones at Columbus Speech & Hearing. We can perform a thorough evaluation and provide treatment options that work for you.

There are general steps you can take to protect your hearing, including:

Reduce exposure to loud noise, or wear hearing protection when around loud sounds.
Refrain from inserting foreign objects like cotton swabs or safety pins in the ears. Doing so can lead to impacted earwax, a perforated eardrum, or damage to the skin.
Use swim plugs when doing water activities, and be sure to dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing.
Seek prompt medical attention if you are suffering from an ear infection.

Custom hearing protection, or personalized hearing protection, involves taking a mold of a patient’s ears and creating a unique set of earplugs. These personalized earplugs can reduce harmful sounds, prevent water from getting in the ear, and otherwise protect your hearing from potential damage.

At Columbus Speech & Hearing, our audiologists are professionally trained to create molds of your ear canals to ensure your earplugs fit appropriately and comfortably.

Custom Earplugs vs. Disposable Earplugs

Custom earplugs are different from the disposable earbuds you find in stores.

Our earplugs are made with high-quality acrylic or silicone materials, making them more durable and longer-lasting than foam or wax earplugs. Since we use earmolds to fit your unique ear shapes, our earplugs can also be more effective at reducing harmful noises than disposable earplugs, and are less likely to fall out.

Much like fingerprints or snowflakes, every ear canal is different. At Columbus Speech & Hearing, our audiologists will ensure your custom hearing protection safely fits your unique ears — as well as your lifestyle and budget.

Call Columbus Speech and Hearing at (614) 263-5151 for more information or to schedule an appointment.