3 Hobbies that Require Hearing Protection

Hobbies can be an enjoyable way to unwind and have fun. But did you know that some of your favorite activities could put your hearing at risk? Exposure to loud noises can lead to hearing loss, making hearing protection important. But how can you protect your hearing from these loud sounds, and how can an audiologist help?

Concerts and Music Festivals

Live music events like concerts and festivals offer exciting experiences with loud noise levels that could damage hearing over time. Exposure to loud music can cause hearing damage, so earplugs designed specifically for musicians and concertgoers will reduce volume without diminishing sound quality. Also taking regular breaks from loud music while maintaining a safe distance from speakers may help shield your ears while enjoying favorite bands and artists.

Shooting Range

High-volume sounds can pose a risk to your hearing if you are not properly protecting your ears. To protect your ears, always wear high-quality hearing protection like earmuffs or earplugs designed specifically for shooting. Additionally, double protection wearing both earmuffs and earplugs offers additional peace of mind by helping to mitigate the risk of hearing loss. If you want to know what the best hearing protection for you, when going to the shooting range schedule an appointment with an audiologist.

Do-it-Yourself (DIY) Projects and Woodworking

If you are a DIY enthusiast who enjoys home improvements, you probably use power tools. For optimal hearing protection, always wear earplugs or earmuffs designed specifically for noise reduction when operating loud machinery. To minimize noise exposure in your workspace, consider placing noise-dampening mats under equipment or keeping loud tools in an enclosed area. These measures will help ensure that your DIY and woodworking activities remain both enjoyable and safe.

Selecting an Appropriate Form of Hearing Protection

There are various styles available with each offering different advantages and drawbacks that should be carefully considered before making your selection:

• Earplugs: Earplugs are small, convenient and simple to transport. Available in foam, silicone and custom-molded forms. Foam provides excellent noise reduction while being disposable, while silicone plugs can be reused several times. And for snug fits, custom-molded plugs offer the greatest level of comfort and protection.
• Earmuffs: Earmuffs are designed to cover all of your ears, providing greater noise reduction. They’re especially suitable for environments with consistently high noise levels.
• Noise-canceling headphones: These headphones use active noise cancellation technology to filter out external noises, making them suitable for both loud and quiet environments. They’re often chosen by individuals working in noisy offices or taking public transport.

Prioritizing ear protection when participating in activities is key for enjoying activities without risking harm to auditory health. Consulting an audiologist for advice about appropriate hearing protection will help ensure you maximize enjoyment while protecting your auditory well-being. If you want to learn more about hearing protection, schedule an appointment with an audiologist. They will be able to examine your ears, run tests and offer the right hearing protection for your hearing health.