Visit Us Today http://www.HearingAids-OrangeCounty.com Call Us Today (888) 498-7532 hearingaids-orangecounty.com The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2008, approximately 2 million workers in the United States were at risk for hearing loss due to noise exposure at work.

1. One Size Fits All May be Okay for Your Clothing, but Not for Your
Ears
Have you ever tried on clothing, only to find that you were “between” sizes?
Most of us have experienced this at one time or another because the size
and shape of our bodies is unique. The size and shape of our ears is unique
as well, which is why it is important to consider custom fit hearing protection
devices (HPD).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) reported that in 2008, approximately 2
million workers in the United States were at risk
for hearing loss due to noise exposure at work.
HPDs are devices which attenuate the level of
noise reaching an individual’s ears, thereby
conserving hearing sensitivity. Each device is
evaluated for its noise reduction rating (NRR), the average amount of sound
attenuation the HPD provides the listener when the device is worn. HPDs are
commonly used in industry, where workers are exposed to excessive loud
noise levels (over 85 dBA) on a regular basis from loud equipment,
machinery, and vehicles. The number of individuals reporting the use of
hearing protection has increased dramatically over the years.
Although there have been improvements in terms of the number of workers
using HPD, the type of hearing protection being worn has remained
essentially the same over the years. The most common types of HPD include
foam earplugs that are placed in the ear canal and earmuffs which fit over
the outside of the ear. Sometimes, individuals wear earplugs and earmuffs
simultaneously for added protection.
One major drawback to using foam earplugs is that these devices are
available in limited sizes such as small, medium, and large, making a custom
fit impossible. Also, the shape of an earplug is straight whereas the human
ear canal curves. Foam earplugs are fit by rolling the earplug between the
fingers, then inserting it in the ear canal; the foam then expands to occupy
the ear canal. However, it is common for earplugs to be uncomfortable or

2. loosen in the ear over time. If a foam earplug is fit improperly, the NRR may
be less than is shown on the device, thus allowing more noise to enter the
ear.
Earmuffs may have an advantage over foam earplugs because they fit over
the ear and thus fit is not necessarily a concern. However, many workers
find these devices cumbersome to carry, especially in confined spaces.
Workers also report earmuffs as being uncomfortable because the headband
creates pressure on the head and ears.
Custom HPDs are the best option for workers desiring a comfortable fit that
will ensure an appropriate NRR. Unlike earmuffs, custom HPDs are small and
easy to carry. With custom HPDs, you will never be “between” sizes because
they are made from an impression of the listener’s ears. The impressions
may be performed by an Audiologist who then sends it to a company such as
Westone, Starkey, Emtech, 3M or other manufacturers. Once the custom
devices are made, the Audiologist typically fits the listener with them in
office to assure a good fit.
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