The average British citizen lives in a noisier world than any other point in history. Today, approximately 11 million people live with some degree of hearing loss in one or both ears, including 50,000 children.
Hearing protection has never been more critical. Once someone experiences damage to the sensitive cells within the ear, there is no way to restore them. Here’s what you need to know about hearing protection in the UK so that you can enjoy an outstanding hearing experience long into the future.
People often take for granted their hearing abilities and don’t give much thought to how noisy the world is. But the truth is excessive levels of noise can lead to permanent hearing loss. Due to the human body’s ability to adapt, people often fail to realise that their hearing is at risk within high-noise environments.
Rock concerts, factories, construction sites, and even noisy rush-hour traffic are all environments where your hearing could be at risk.
While noise levels matter, the time exposed to loud noises also matters. Wearing attenuating earplugs and other forms of ear noise protection can reduce the strain on your ears and defend your hearing long into the future.
Remember, there may not be any obvious symptoms of hearing loss until it is too late.
The UK government has outlined safe noise levels within health and safety legislation. According to the latest health and safety regulations, work environments should remain at 85 dB or lower if possible. Your employer must measure hearing protection levels and provide some form of hearing protection if noise levels exceed this safe range.
Loud noises destroy the inner ear’s hair-like cells over time. Noise-related hearing loss puts millions of Britons at risk every year. While age-related hearing loss is something that cannot be avoided, you can mitigate the risk of age-related hearing loss by wearing ear filters, protective ear muffs, and other forms of noise protection.
So, where do typical noise levels rank on the dB scale?
Alarm Clocks – 80 dB
Hair Dryers – 90 dB
Full-Volume MP3 Players – 100 dB
Music Concert – 110 dB
Ambulance Sirens – 130 dB
As you can see, the chances are you exceed safe noise levels regularly. While briefly hearing a loud noise will not cause permanent damage, prolonged exposure could diminish your hearing over time.
The best ear protection depends on the scenario. There are several types of hearing protection in the UK.
Here’s a brief rundown of the various noise protection options you should consider:
Earplugs – Pre-moulded or mouldable earplugs are inserted directly into your ear canal. Found in most shops, these are the most basic level of ear noise protection. You may also choose to have a pair of custom earplugs made if you regularly wear them.
Semi-Inserts – These are earplugs that do not go directly into the ear canal. These rest just over the ear canals, with a headband ensuring they remain in place. Take note: semi-inserts are not customised forms of protection and do not work for everyone.
Ear Muffs – Protective ear muffs contain a soft ear cushion for comfort with a hard outer shell. These are the most common forms of protection within noisy work environments and are widely considered the best earplugs for work.
Remember, not every form of ear protection will work for everyone. Test out different forms of hearing protection to figure out which one works best for you, especially if you require them for work.
To make sure you get maximum protection from your ear defenders, you should check to ensure they are certified for protecting your hearing. Many cheap forms of protection are not designed for damaging levels of noise.
Let’s go over the things you should look for in your ear protectors.
You can use earplugs not only at work but also at home. Dealing with excessive noise over prolonged periods can be hard on the ears, but a discrete pair of earplugs can help your ears to cope.
Disposable Earplugs – Make sure they are soft and fit comfortably within the ear. Cotton wool is not a suitable substitution.
Reusable Earplugs – These earplugs will not provide enough protection if they are not customised according to your ear's anatomy. Wash them after each use to avoid infection.
Custom Earplugs – Approaching a doctor or audiologist for custom earplugs is an excellent way of providing daily protection against noise. If you work in a noisy profession, these are the ideal option.
Certain professions may also have specialised forms of earplugs. Musicians, for example, can purchase advanced earplugs that filter out noises at specific frequencies. Even on-stage, musicians can hear noises at safe levels and protect their hearing in the long run.
Ear defenders provide even more excellent protection against noise by cupping the whole ear. Purchase protective ear muffs if you need to wear them for long hours and require protection against the noises made by heavy machinery.
You can also find ear defenders attached to a helmet or neckband for greater comfort. Some ear muffs are electronic and only activate when they detect a loud noise. Electronic ear defenders are highly recommended for people who still need to communicate with a team at intervals, such as road workers.
Speak to your employer to find out more about these advanced ear defenders. While expensive, electronic ear muffs provide the highest degree of protection and streamline the working process.
Preventative action is the best way to protect your hearing from harm. Hearing protection is widely available and does not have to break the bank. The problem with noise exposure is the cumulative impact over the years, and your hearing may already have experienced irreparable damage without you even knowing it.
Rather than struggling through your day with poor hearing, improve your hearing experience with professional help. A qualified audiologist can examine your hearing, provide recommendations for the best hearing aids, and help you obtain a hearing aid for a better hearing experience.
Learn more about your hearing, take action, and get a free hearing examination with a licensed audiologist in your area with EarPros.
