Custom Hearing Protection near Encino, CA

Occupational Protection

“An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure”: Ways to Protect Your Ears from Hearing Loss

Hearing Loss Solutions is proud to offer custom hearing protection near Encino, CA. Industrial workplace noises, gunfire, loud music, and other common, everyday sounds that are louder than 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss. Just how loud is 85 decibels? Take a look at these decibel ratings and permissible exposure times provided by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NIOSH/CDC.)

Intensities of Common Sounds in Decibels

Occupational Noise and Hearing Protection

According to the NIOSH, approximately 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work, causing an estimated $242 million per year to be spent on workers compensation due to hearing loss disability. As a result, NIOSH recommends “all worker exposures to noise be controlled below a level equivalent to 85 dBA for eight hours to minimize occupational noise-induced hearing loss.

NIOSH also recommends a 3 dBA exchange rate so that every increase by 3 dBA doubles the amount of the noise and halves the recommended amount of exposure time.” Additionally, NIOSH recommends a hearing loss prevention program that includes the use of hearing protection devices, periodic hearing tests and education for workers along with administrative controls that include accurate record keeping, evaluations, and audits.

Hunting Ear Protection

Hunting requires one to have the ability to hear very soft sounds, while still protecting the ear from the peak noise levels of a shotgun blast. Fortunately, hunters have many options for protection. Not only can they choose from custom or over-the-counter ear plugs or ear muffs, but they can also choose protection devices that provide amplification while reducing the sounds of gunfire down to a safe level.

“I’ve been dealing with hearing and its associated issues for many years due to a work-related injury. I recently received a referral by my primary treating physician, to Dr. Cohen’s office for my problems with hearing loss and tinnitus which used to drive me crazy.

Dr. Cohen is one of the most pleasant and finest young female Doctors that I’ve had the pleasure of being treated by. She is very astute with her audiology background and up to date with the technological equipment. She’s been able to go far beyond the basic evaluation to assure that I’ve received the best and most suitable devices to maximize my hearing outcome!”

– Craig R.

Recreational Shooters

Since 1994, Electronic Shooters Protection (ESP) has been providing shooters with state-of-the-art electronic hearing protection for shooting. Each set of ESP’s are custom fit to your ears for all-day comfort and proper protection. The smart technology used gives you a competitive advantage, allowing you to hear natural sounds and have a normal conversation.

As many as 50 percent of all recreational shooters may suffer some degree of hearing loss. It is generally thought that loud noises in excess of 90 decibels are harmful to hearing over prolonged exposure. Most gunfire exceeds 130 decibels and requires reliable, quality hearing protection. Using ear protection can prevent needless and permanent damage to hearing.

Electronic earplugs enhance the sounds around you. For example, you can hear game movement but also reduce impulse sounds such as gunfire, down to a safe level. This helps prevent damage to your hearing. Electronic earplugs are available in custom molds as well as standard, less expensive alternatives.

Law Enforcement (FBI & Police Officers) – If you are involved in law enforcement you undoubtedly know how important your sense of hearing is to be effective on the job. You may also have experienced a situation where firing your weapon has temporarily reduced your ability to hear. And if it hasn’t already happened, there may be a future situation where your partner or a member of your team will be forced to fire their weapon in close proximity or in a confined area. The potential damage to your hearing could be severe and could result in irreversible hearing loss.

Broadcast Monitors

Custom-made monitors that fit comfortably in the ear are important for newscasters and people who work in different aspects of the media. Whether you’re a journalist on the frontline of a combat zone or a reporter at a sporting event, these in-ear monitors protect your ears from dangerous levels of sound while feeding you the sounds necessary to do your job without all the background noise.

Industrial Hearing Protection

Loud, constant sounds all day long at work can cause long-term hearing problems. Loud, sudden noises (gunfire, industrial noises, woodworking, motorcycles, loud music, motorized lawn equipment, noisy hobbies, and other noises louder than 90 dB) are more damaging to hearing than regular and extended exposure to loud sounds over a period of time. When properly fitted, earplugs can significantly reduce loud noises and prevent hearing damage and loss. Hearing protectors not properly fitted to the wearer’s ears do not effectively prevent damaging noises from penetrating the ear canal.

Learn More About Custom Hearing Protection near Encino, CA, Today!

To learn more about custom hearing protection, schedule your Hearing Loss Solutions Consultation by calling our friendly office at 818-989-9001 or by clicking here to use our convenient online form. Your appointment includes a review of your medical history, a discussion of your concerns and goals, and an explanation of our process.

During your new patient appointment, we will make sure all of your questions are thoroughly answered about our office, our treatments, our flexible payment options, and anything else that you would like to know about us. Call today – we can’t wait to help restore sound to your world!

As one of the premier hearing centers in Sherman Oaks, CA, our Audiologist and team at Hearing Loss Solutions also provide 5-star-rated hearing care to patients from Encino, Beverly Hills, Studio City & Calabasas, CA, and surrounding areas.