The world around us is an increasingly noisy place. Hearing protection has never been more important. It has been known for decades that exposure to loud noise is the top cause of hearing loss over time.
There are generic types of hearing protection and specialized ones.
The products come in two general categories: earplugs and earphones (products like swimmers’ plugs protect not from sound but water pressure). Specialty hearing protection includes shooting/hunting, musicians/music workers, and others.
General protection
Many loud workplaces now require hearing protection for employees and visitors. This is an example of a proactive approach to the problem. We should all be as proactive in our daily lives. When you know you are going to be in a loud/noisy environment, use protection whenever possible.
Earplugs and earphones are available from many retail stores. Using these around the home is of great benefit. Working in the yard, mowing the lawn, and using a chainsaw can all be very loud activities. Always have a pair of earplugs to use handy for these activities.
Recommended Maximum Weekly Exposure (NIOSH, 1998)
| Sound level (dB) | Exposure type | No protection | Using ER•20s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sound level (dB) | Exposure type | No protection | Using ER•20s |
| 60 | Conversation | SAFE | – |
| 80-85 | Noisy restaurant Vacuum cleaner Average factory | 40 HRS. | SAFE |
| 88 | Circular saw Loud party Motorcycle | 20 HRS. | SAFE |
| 94 | Subway Riding mower | 5 HRS. | SAFE |
| 97 | Live band | 2.5 HRS. | 40+ HRS. |
| 100 | Sporting event Chain saw Snowmobile | 1.25 HRS. | 40+ HRS. |
| 112 | Blues bar/Rock concert | 5 MINS. | 8 HRS. |
| 115 | Ambulance siren | 2.5 MINS. | 4 HRS. |
| Above 125 dB you are at risk for any period without maximum protection | |||
| 140 | Jet engine Gun shot Firecracker | INSTANT LOSS | |
The world around us is an increasingly noisy place. Hearing protection has never been more important. It has been known for decades that exposure to loud noise is the top cause of hearing loss over time.
There are generic types of hearing protection and specialized ones.
The products come in two general categories: earplugs and earphones (products like swimmers’ plugs protect not from sound but water pressure). Specialty hearing protection includes shooting/hunting, musicians/music workers, and others.
General protection
Many loud workplaces now require hearing protection for employees and visitors. This is an example of a proactive approach to the problem. We should all be as proactive in our daily lives. When you know you are going to be in a loud/noisy environment, use protection whenever possible.
Earplugs and earphones are available from many retail stores. Using these around the home is of great benefit. Working in the yard, mowing the lawn and using a chainsaw can all be very loud activities. Always have a pair of earplugs to use handy for these activities.
Earmolds and protectors
Custom earmolds are made from rubber casts of your ears. The finished product contains the ear protection parts fit into the earmolds. This type of product is used to produce the custom products listed below.
Musician’s ear monitors
Most people have seen stage musicians wearing monitors at shows. They are designed to allow as much music as possible through to the eardrum while protecting the ears from concussive and driving sound that can be damaging. This type of hearing protector is recommended for those working in loud music venues like waiters, bartenders and show personnel operating lighting and sound displays.
Shooters earphones
Shooting produces one of the most concussive sounds that we encounter. Shooting earphones contain a small valve that closes when shots are fired. The concussive sound wave hits the valve before it can reach the eardrum. The valve, when open, allows shooters and hunters to hear more sound around them that conventional earphones would allow.
Shooters also use earplugs and earphones when the environment is controlled and they are not moving around and communicating with each other, such as at a shooting range.
Swimmers/divers earplugs
These products are not designed to defeat sound but to protect from constant exposure to water and pressure. Swimmers use earplugs to protect against the constant flow of water into the ears as they swim.
Divers encounter sudden shock of water pressure at their ears. Some divers go deep into the water where the pressure can be a problem for their ears. Specialized diving earplugs precent damage.
Hearing Protection Products We Offer Include:
Hunting:
Hunting, shooting and sudden noise. A filter instantaneously closes when damaging noise levels are reached. Allows essentially normal hearing at all other times.
Music:
Ideal for performing musicians and concert-goers. Also great for flight attendants, bartenders, waiters, dental professionals. Allows wearer to hear sounds accurately, but at reduced levels. Three filter options available: 9dB, 15dB or 25dB.
Swimming:
For swimming and showering – and they FLOAT! Also provide superb noise reduction.
Sleep:
Offers comfortable and uninterrupted rest. Also great for shift workers with non-traditional hours.
Motorsport:
Designed with a hollow canal for under helmet use to reduce wind buffeting.
Surf:
Designed to prevent surfer’s ear and swimmer’s ear caused by exposure to cold water and wind. The floatable material is molded with a sealed membrane spanning the sound bore that keeps cold water and air out of the ear canal, but allows for conversation and hearing while in the ear.
Occupational:
Ideal for high-noise industrial environments.
iCustom:
For use with any bud/button style earphones.
DefendEar 1:
Amplification for situational awareness, as well as noise attenuation when you pull the trigger.
DefendEar 2:
Offers two modes, game, which is optimized for intermittent shots, and clay mode, which is optimized for continued shots.
DefendEar Hunter:
Offers standard digital features and provides protection in windy environments.
