Ear Protection
Ear protectors are intended to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. They can also help to protect the ears from dust and flying objects that could penetrate the ear canal.
What Is Ear Protection?
Ear protection is critical to help preserve a person’s hearing which can be severely damaged by repeat noise exposure or just a one-time loud noise. Hearing loss does not only come from the volume of noises but the pitch and frequency of them as well. High pitched sounds can be very harmful. Hearing protection is available in a few different methods including earplugs and earmuffs. Ear plugs are small little pieces of wax or sponge like material. They are inserted directly into the ear canal and help to protect the ear from loud noises, water, wind, dust and dirt. Common materials that create earplugs include memory foam earplugs, silicone earplugs and flanged earplugs which are intended for musicians. Some earplugs are intended to be disposed off after wear. Other types of earplugs are safe to use multiple times. Hearing bands are a great option for those who have sensitive ears. They allow for the pressure and force to be applied more evenly allowing the ears to remain comfortable while being protected. Sophisticated electronic hearing protectors allow for only certain frequencies to flow through blocking the harmful high-pitched sounds.
What Industries Use Ear Protection?
There are many types of industries that use ear protection. Industries that use large machinery, factories, warehouses and other loud professions all require some sort of ear protection. Construction, warehousing and transport are all industries where ear protection may be necessary. Ear protectors that are sold in the United States are required by the Environmental Protection Agency to have a noise reduction rating that can help the customer figure out which earplug is best for their needs. Many companies enforce the use of ear protectors in order to keep employees safe and healthy. There are different standards that ear protection has to meet depending on the job. Hearing protectors should fit snugly and securely in order to fully eliminate damaging sounds. If all sound has been reduced in a workplace due to the wearing of ear protection, visual alarm systems should be in place to warn people of danger or emergencies.
Benefits
There are many benefits from wearing ear protection including keeping your hearing intact by reducing harmful and loud sounds. Ear protection can also help to prevent physical trauma from happening to the ear.