Hearing Protection for Ventura, CA

One of the most common causes of hearing loss is loud noise. You can do permanent damage to your hearing, whether from a one-time extreme noise event or consistent exposure to loud noise.

Statistics show that:

Over one billion people globally are at high risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and teens and young adults aged 12-35 are increasingly vulnerable to developing permanent hearing loss as a result of noise exposure from personal audio devices and social settings
30 million people in the US are exposed to noise levels in the workplace that are high enough to cause irreversible hearing loss (the Hearing Health Foundation)
An estimated 24% of hearing loss in the US is attributed to workplace exposure to loud noise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Fortunately, this type of noise-induced hearing loss is preventable through the use of hearing protection. Though generic earmolds and earplugs can help, investing in custom ear protection, available at Nelson Audiology, Inc., provides maximum protection against loud noise, greater wearing security, and a more comfortable fit for a broad range of activities.

Understanding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

NIHL is a type of permanent hearing loss caused by a single extreme noise event, like an explosion, or long-term exposure to noises of heavy machinery or loud music.

“How does loud noise damage my hearing?”

Hairlike sensory cells located in the inner ear convert incoming soundwaves into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain through the auditory nerve, where our brain converts them into meaningful sounds. Loud noise causes these hair cells to lose their sensitivity, reducing their ability to transmit sound. Eventually these cells can become too damaged to function at all.

Damage to your hearing can occur depending on the length of time you’re exposed to various noises above 85 decibels (dB). Consequently, ongoing exposure to many common household, work, recreational, and social activity noises without protection can do permanent damage.

Common dangerous noise levels include:

90 dBlawnmower
95 dBelectric drill
100 dBnight club, train, snowmobile
110 dBpower saw, jackhammer, motorcycle
120 dBambulance siren, chainsaw, rock concert
130 dBstock car race, jet engine
140 dBairplane takeoff
145 dBfireworks
150 dBshotgun blast

If you regularly take part in occupational, recreational, or social activities that involve ongoing exposure to these noises, you should seriously consider using custom hearing protection.

Benefits of Custom Earmolds and Earplugs

A Construction Worker Wearing Hearing Protection

Custom earmolds and earplugs are your best solution for protecting your ears from NIHL for a variety of reasons, including:

More secure fit when you’re active
More complete seal for greater protection
More accurate frequency response to a full range of sounds
Prevention of reverberation inside your ears by allowing sound to pass both ways
Precision-engineered filters for specific, measurable protection and more natural sound
Greater wearing comfort for extended wear
Less skin irritation, due to medical-grade silicone construction
Replaceable sound filters that allow you to change sound protection for different activities
Unique fitting for each ear.

Custom Hearing Protection from Nelson Audiology, Inc.

Hearing protection is especially important for anyone who is regularly exposed to higher levels of noise, including:

Work Environment

Recreational Activities and Social Events

Loud Machinery and Equipment at Home

Work Environment—musicians, construction workers, factory workers, and pilots

Recreational Activities and Social Events—target shooting, going to concerts and clubs, attending games in a sports arena, etc.

Loud Machinery and Equipment at Home—lawnmowers, motorcycles, power tools, etc.

Wearing hearing protection can effectively reduce the amount and impact of loud noise you absorb. Options for protective wear we offer include:

Custom Earmolds

These are made to fit the contour of your ear and come in a few types, sizes, and colors. There are full-shell and half-shell custom earmolds that can be soft or solid. Full-shell earmolds are typically recommended for people who are exposed to higher levels of noise, while half-shell earmolds are for lower levels of noise exposure.

Custom Earplugs

Earplugs are designed to be worn in the ear canal. They are custom made by taking molds of your ear canal, which guarantee a perfect fit. Earplugs can also be specialized for musicians and others who still want to be able to hear their environment while protecting their ears.

Swim and Surf Earplugs

Though swimming and surfing don’t cause NIHL, without protection for your ears they can lead to swimmer’s ear (caused from water being stuck in the ear canal, leading to bacterial infection) or surfer’s ear (bone growth that occurs in the ear canal due to frequent exposure to cold water). Either of these conditions can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss.

Learn More About Custom Hearing Protection from Nelson Audiology, Inc.

Hearing protection is a great way to protect your hearing health by preventing NIHL or other conditions that can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss. The customized hearing protection available from Nelson Audiology, Inc. not only helps minimize hazardous noises, but also provides a more secure fit and greater wearing comfort.

Submit the adjacent form to contact us at either our Ventura or Ojai, CA, clinic and learn more about the custom earmolds and earplugs we have available.

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What Our Delighted Patients Say

M. Christine Diggers

"I was not looking forward to having to get new hearing aids, but my whole experience at the Ojai office went very smoothly and Dr Nelson very professional and helpful. Thanks."

David Allan

"Above & beyond customer service. They contacted my insurance company and set up my appointment. All i had to do is prove how deaf i am. Hearing aids are on the way. Excellent staff ! They truly care about the patients!"

T. Palermo

"Friendly and efficient staff. Office is clean, equipment is up to date and parking is close by. I appreciated the time Dr. Nelson took in explaining my hearing results and what they meant."

Hearing Protection for Ventura, CA

Understanding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

Benefits of Custom Earmolds and Earplugs