When many people think of hearing protection, they think of the old school over-the-ear “earmuff” devices, or of foam earplugs. These are passive devices, effective in many situations when worn. The key words there are when worn – passive devices can be uncomfortable when worn for hours at a time, and provide no protection at all when pulled off to hear a conversation. The latest generation of electronic hearing protection can solve both of those issues.
In general, an electronic hearing protection device functions rather simply. When sound levels are within a normal range, the device passes sound through unmodified. When a loud sound appears, the device inserts what is known as attenuation, lessening the loud sound while it lasts. Since this process is electronic, it is very fast – more than fast enough to respond to noises such as gunshots for hunters or firing range use.
This responsiveness means an electronic hearing protection device can be worn constantly. A listener can actually hear surrounding noises and normal conversation through the device, and is fully protected from loud noises when they occur. Think of the advantages of that type of protection – a listener can remain fully aware of their surroundings at all times, in a workplace or a recreational setting.
So, electronic hearing devices can be worn constantly – but, are they comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time? Some popular devices are made to be worn “out-of-the-box”. These are smaller, lightweight devices with a conforming foam that can seal most ear sizes. For many uses, these pre-sized devices are cost-effective, provide substantial protection, and are comfortable enough for hours of use.
For maximum protection, some electronic hearing devices are custom-fitted by an audiologist, who takes a silicone casting of the exact shape of the ear. This casting is then used to exactly size and shape a casing that fits perfectly in the ear. The result is a hearing protection device that when inserted is barely noticable by the wearer, and can be worn all day very comfortably without removal.
The benefits of protecting hearing are great. Come see us at Professional Hearing Services for help in selecting and fitting an electronic hearing protection device.
