Sound fills our lives from morning until night – alarm clocks, traffic, music, workplace equipment and countless conversations. When these everyday sounds reach harmful levels, they can gradually damage your hearing without obvious warning signs. The audiologists at The Hearing Group of New Mexico are dedicated to helping you understand and prevent noise-induced hearing loss before it happens. Many people don’t realize they’re exposing themselves to dangerous noise levels until they notice symptoms like ringing in the ears or difficulty understanding speech.
We believe hearing loss prevention is just as important as hearing loss treatment. Our team will assess your daily sound exposure and recommend practical solutions to protect your hearing, from custom-fitted ear protection to simple lifestyle adjustments. You might not think twice about lawn mowers, power tools or loud concerts, but these common activities can permanently affect your hearing health. With proper protection and awareness, you can continue enjoying the sounds that matter most to you for years to come.
What Are Signs You Might Need Protection?
If you’re regularly exposed to loud environments, like concerts, construction sites or noisy workplaces, it’s a good idea to consider hearing protection. The first signs that you might need hearing protection include experiencing ringing in your ears (tinnitus) after exposure to loud sounds or difficulty hearing people clearly in noisy settings. If you often have to raise your voice or strain to hear conversations in busy environments, this could also indicate that your hearing is being affected by the noise levels around you. In general, if you’re exposed to sounds at or above 85 decibels for extended periods, it’s important to wear ear protection to prevent potential hearing damage.
What Kinds of Protection Are Available?
There are various types of hearing protection available to meet the specific needs of different activities and occupations. Whether it’s for your job, hobbies or daily activities, the right protection can help preserve your hearing in different noise environments.
- Sleeping earplugs: Soft and comfortable earplugs designed to block out noise, ensuring a quiet night’s sleep without causing discomfort.
- Swimming earplugs: Waterproof earplugs that prevent water from entering the ear canal while swimming, protecting against infections and discomfort.
- Occupational ear protection: Noise-reducing earmuffs or earplugs designed for people working in noisy environments, like construction sites or factories, to protect hearing from long-term damage.
- Hunting ear protection: Earplugs or earmuffs designed for hunters to protect hearing from the loud sounds of gunshots while still allowing them to hear important environmental sounds.
- Motorsport ear protection: Specialized earplugs or earmuffs that reduce harmful engine and tire noise, commonly used by both spectators and participants in motorsport events.
- Music ear protection: Custom or general earplugs for musicians and concertgoers, designed to reduce sound intensity while preserving sound clarity, keeping hearing safe during performances or events.
It’s important to choose the right type of protection that fits your lifestyle, or career needs to ensure long-term hearing health.
Custom Protection or Over-the-Counter Options?
Custom hearing protection offers several advantages over over-the-counter solutions, providing a better fit and more effective noise reduction. Since custom earplugs or earmuffs are molded to the unique shape of your ear, they create a snug and secure seal that offers superior comfort and performance, especially for long periods of use. Custom protection also allows for better sound clarity, particularly in specialized cases like musicians or hunters, where preserving important environmental sounds is key. Additionally, custom options are often more durable and long-lasting, ensuring that your hearing protection is reliable and tailored specifically to your needs.