How Hearing Protection Prevents Tinnitus

Did you know that tinnitus affects million Americans? While there are multiple causes of tinnitus, the most common reason among younger people is exposure to loud noises. Even a single loud noise can be enough to cause permanent damage to the ears.

The good news is that there’s an effective way to manage the risk of tinnitus, and that’s by working with a hearing health professional to find the right hearing protection for your needs. While all individuals can benefit from wearing hearing protection from time to time, for people who routinely find themselves in loud environments, like construction workers and musicians. If you are not sure which hearing protection will be right for you, schedule an appointment with a hearing health professional.

What is Tinnitus?

People often refer to tinnitus as a condition – but it’s actually a symptom. If your ear has been damaged, then there’s a chance that you’ll experience tinnitus, which is characterized by ringing or buzzing in the ears despite there being no external reason for the noise. Tinnitus can be caused by a wide range of factors, including a build-up of earwax or head injury. But most individuals experience it through prolonged exposure to loud noises.

How Hearing Protection Prevents Tinnitus

You may not realize it, but the world around you is louder than you might think. In fact, just living in the city can expose you to noise levels that can harm your hearing. Many city residents are regularly exposed to sounds over 85 decibels, which is where noises over 85 decibels pose a risk to your hearing.

The risk is greater in extremely noisy environments, like rock concerts or industrial worksites, where sound levels often exceed 110 decibels. In these situations, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent tinnitus. While the best way to protect your hearing is to avoid these environments entirely, that’s not always realistic. The next best option is to wear effective hearing protection, like earmuffs, earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. Hearing protection helps to reduce the risk of tinnitus and help to keep your ears safe from these noises. A hearing health professional will assist you in choosing the right protection for the environment you are in.

Who Should Wear Hearing Protection?

Anyone who finds themselves in an environment where the volume exceeds 85 decibels should wear hearing protection. If you’re attending a concert, then wearing protective earplugs will ensure your ears are kept safe and sound without diminishing the experience.

If you’re in a loud environment on a regular basis due to your job or your vocation, then investing in proper hearing protection is essential. Your hearing health professional can recommend custom earplugs that are suited to your needs and match the shape of your ear offering maximum comfortability.

Contact a Hearing Health Professional Today

If you want to learn more about hearing protection schedule an appointment with a hearing health professional. They will be able to find the right solutions for you and help you effectively manage your hearing.