What are the Top Ear Protection Options?

Ear protection is highly recommended for anyone that finds themselves in situations where they put their ears at risk. The most common examples of these include scenarios where you’re exposed to very loud noises over and over again. Repeated exposure to loud volumes can damage your hearing.

The question isn’t whether or not ear protection is needed; it’s what are the best ear protection options?

Earplugs

Earplugs are generally considered the go-to piece of ear protection for many people. Why? Because they’re small and easy to carry with you wherever you go. They fit inside your ear and work very effectively – but only when the sizing is right. Generally speaking, an audiologist will recommend you get custom earplugs for the best ear protection possible. These are earplugs that have been custom-made to fit in your ears, which means they last longer, plug up all gaps, and are way more comfortable to wear.

Earmuffs

An earmuff is a device that fits over your head and covers your ears on each side with a piece of thickly padded material. They’re typically used as ear protection when you’re doing a particular activity. For example, workers wear them at airports to block out the sound of planes taking off, and construction workers use them to block out the sound of loud machinery. One of the main benefits of these is that they’re very comfortable. You don’t have to insert anything into your ear, and they almost create a barrier around your whole ear, which means ample protection is provided. The only slight downside is that you can’t get them custom-made and they tend to be more expensive than earplugs.

Noise-cancelation headphones

The third ear protection option is noise-cancelation headphones. These are similar to earmuffs in appearance, but they function differently. Basically, they work like any other normal pair of headphones in that you can listen to music or podcasts through them. They can be linked up to the TV or other devices, so you get additional usage out of them. They provide ear protection by canceling out the noises you hear around you. No noise can get in, which means you will hear very little when wearing them. Plus, you can listen to music at much lower volumes, which protects your ears as well. Again, they’re expensive, but you are getting something you can use every day for other purposes alongside general ear protection.

All of these options are very effective at delivering top class protection for your ears. Your audiologist will highly recommend you get ear protection if you’re always exposing yourself to loud noises. Furthermore, they’re likely to suggest protection if your hearing is getting worse, as it can help prevent severe hearing loss from developing. It’s well worth booking an appointment with an audiologist today if you need help figuring out which option is right for you. They’ll help you come to a decision based on your day-to-day activities and budget.