Are Hearing Protectors Really Effective?
The short answer is yes. But only if they’re used properly.
Today, there’s growing awareness around protecting yourself from harmful noise, and for good reason. Noise doesn’t just affect your ears; it also triggers physiological changes in the body, such as an increased heart rate and the release of stress hormones.
Over time, these reactions can take a real toll on your overall health. They’ve been linked to a range of issues, including:
- cardiovascular problems
- high blood pressure
- fatigue
- digestive issues
- tinnitus
- permanent hearing loss
Taking care of your hearing also means taking care of your overall health. Hearing protection plays a key role in reducing the harmful effects of noise exposure.
How Do Hearing Protectors Work?
Traditional hearing protectors, such as earplugs and shells, act as a barrier. They reduce the intensity of sound before it reaches the inner ear, lowering the number of decibels you perceive.
Custom-made hearing protectors offer a more tailored solution. There are two main types:
- Non-filtered models provide excellent noise reduction but can make communication more difficult
- Filtered models allow certain components of speech to pass through, making conversations easier to understand
Different filter levels, measured in decibels (dB), are available to suit individual needs and specific noise environments.
Wearing Hearing Protection Properly
It’s easy to assume that using earplugs or shells is straightforward and that how you wear them doesn’t really matter. In reality, it makes a significant difference.
If a protector isn’t fitted properly, it won’t create a proper seal. Sound can leak in through small gaps, even ones you can’t see. This can reduce effectiveness by 5 to 15 dB.
Even when worn correctly, some sound can still reach the inner ear:
- through the bones of the skull
- through vibrations
- through the protector itself, depending on the material
One Minute Can Make a Big Difference
This is often overlooked.
Removing your hearing protection, even briefly, reduces its overall effectiveness.
For example, taking your protectors off for just 1 minute during an 8-hour workday can reduce their effectiveness by 25%.
That’s why consistent use is essential whenever you’re exposed to noise.
Need Guidance?
If you’d like to learn more about hearing protection or check your hearing, an audiologist can help.
Choosing the right protection and using it properly can make a lasting difference in preserving your hearing health.
Marilène Roy, Audiologist
