People often think that hearing loss is an inevitable part of aging. However, it can happen at any age, and it’s becoming increasingly common with young people. Why? Frequent exposure to loud noise.
The ears may be small, but they’re incredibly important, and their delicate structures are highly susceptible to damage. When this occurs, it can cause permanent hearing loss and balance problems.
An estimated one in four Americans ages 20-69 have some form of hearing loss. And for most of these individuals, it’s due to exposure to loud sounds or noise.
You don’t have to wait for hearing loss to arise before making an appointment at Sharp Hearing Care Professionals. Our skilled team can talk through your hearing-related concerns and help you take steps to protect your ears in this noisy world.
If you have a musical child, here’s what you should know about earmolds and how they could help.
It’s nearly impossible to escape noise entirely in today’s busy world. Fortunately, not all noise can cause hearing-related damage. Generally, noise that falls below 70 decibels doesn’t cause permanent problems.
However, the higher the decibel, the more likely the chances of developing issues. And that can occur in a single instance or because of continued exposure over time.
Types of sounds that fall above 70 decibels include:
Rock concerts, orchestras, and symphonies also make the list with noise decibels around the 110 mark.
This exposure to loud sound means professional musicians have a much higher risk of experiencing hearing-related issues than the general public. In fact, they’re four times more likely to have noise-induced hearing loss and 57% more likely to experience tinnitus, or ringing in the ears.
But here’s the kicker: Even music hobbyists have higher chances of these issues. And it doesn’t matter if you’re passionate about rock music or classical; most instruments can produce sounds loud enough to damage your hearing.
That’s where earmolds can help.
If you’ve ever watched a talk show or the news, you’ve seen an earmold in action. These assistive devices are used all around the world in daily life, from broadcast teams to construction workers, hunters, and farmers. They’re also highly beneficial for musicians.
An earmold assistive fits in the ear and has a specific function, depending on the unique needs of the wearer. These devices can amplify sound or protect you against it.
In many cases, devices to protect against sound damage fill most of the lower ear. This larger design often has a tight acoustic seal that protects the wearer from damage-causing levels of sound.
However, that doesn’t mean there’s a one-size-fits-all approach for musicians. Having expert guidance on hearing protection as a musician ensures that you find the perfect hearing protection that delivers the best and most accurate sound filtering available for every musical environment.
That means safer sound to listen to with clear and defined highs without exaggerated mid-ranges and bases. You also get the perfect device that stays in place comfortably, even for long periods and with jaw movement — important factors for singers.
At the end of the day, if you’re wondering if your musical child needs earmolds, you probably shouldn’t wait to schedule an audiology consultation. Our team can evaluate their risks and offer personalized guidance to avoid noise-related issues moving forward.
Do you have a musical child? Get the tools you need to protect their hearing by scheduling an appointment at Sharp Hearing Care Professionals today.
