Custom Hearing Protection from Hearing Guard in Queensland, Australia.

Our ears are complex and highly sensitive to noise exposure.  Excess (above 85db SPL) loud noise can cause hearing damage over time, custom hearing protection can prevent this Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Custom Hearing Protection from Hearing Guard (0400 189 269 or E-mail: info@hearingguard.com.au ) is one of the best ways to protect your hearing from noise exposure. In fact, if you regularly spend time in environments where loud noise is common, you could be losing your hearing without even realising it.

NOISE EXPOSURE AND NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS

Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a consequence of damage to the hair cells of the hearing organ (cochlea) caused by exposure to higher than normal levels of noise exposure. This occurs due to force of impact on the hair cells by loud noise which may cause temporary or permanent damage. Ringing of the ears  is a common symptom of damage done to your hearing and can be caused by intense, sharp short sounds (e.g. hammering), or prolonged exposure to sounds above 85dB SPL (lawn mower, motorbike, heavy diesel engines, etc.). Noise-induced hearing loss is the second most common form of hearing loss and can be prevented by using Hearing Guard custom ear plugs..

Typically NIHL occurs in both ears, between 3,000 and 6,000 Hertz (Hz), (frequencies that are essential for

understanding non vocalised speech cues) and develops gradually over time. NIHL results in a general inability to understand speech, especially in noisy situations. The extent of the damage and speed of onset of NIHL is dependent on a number of factors including length of exposure, loudness and proximity to sound.

Types of Ear Plugs for hearing protection

Disposable or Banded

The types of Hearing Protection available on the market include the following –

• Foam Ear Plugs –  The least cost effective available and commonly used  by those in the construction/mining industry.

• Rubber Plugs – Rigid construction meaning they would not be suitable for everyone.

• Banded Ear Muffs – Hearing defence held in place with an Alice Band.  These are very common but are generally uncomfortable in humid conditions and are not suitable when wearing a hard hat.

Custom Manufactured Ear Moulds

• Custom Ear Mould–  Hearing Guard manufactures hypoallergenic silicone ear plugs customised to be specific to the users ear. The sound attenuation has been certified with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 28dB which meets or exceeds Australian and New Zealand standard AS/NZ 2070-2002. Further more, we can make and fit ear plugs customised to your needs in as little as 40 minutes. Hearing Guard  custom hearing protection are designed to be worn whilst exposed to high intensity recreational or work place noise. Metal-detectable versions are available (traceable within food production lines and certain other manufacturing processes). Custom Hearing Protection ear plugs are available in range of colours.

Please remember that if you have a diagnosed hearing loss and or Tinnitus, then you still need to protect your hearing. Having a hearing loss does not protect your ears from the damaging effects of excessive noise. Intense sounds will do damage even if you have a pre existing loss. It is therefore important that you protect your hearing as much as a person with normal hearing.

For further information please contact the Hearing Guard team on 0400 189 269 or E-mail: info@hearingguard.com.au