It’s a noisy world! Living and working in loud environments can have a detrimental effect on your hearing health. Whether it’s a factory, farm, building site, club, or concert, such places can generate noise levels that are too loud for our ears. Prolonged exposure to these sounds can cause tinnitus, a ringing in the ears, or even hearing loss. Even short periods of time in loud places can leave lasting damage. This is why it’s important to protect your ears when you find yourself in a loud environment. Ear protection such as custom earplugs or ear muffs, can effectively reduce the noise and protect your hearing. When used properly, they can help to reduce the chances of any long-term damage.
Why should I wear ear protection?
In Australia:
- about 3.6 million people have some level of hearing loss
- more than 1.3 million people live with a hearing condition that could have been prevented
- more than 1 in 3 Australians have noise-related ear damage (Source: Department of Health and Aged Care)
Your hearing is sensitive and fragile
Using ear protection is one of the best ways to protect your hearing and prevent permanent damage. Many people are exposed to loud noises on a daily basis at work, or in their free time. When listening to or playing music, riding a motorbike or even attending a sporting event, the noise levels can be very high. It’s important to remember that your hearing is fragile, and it’s vital to protect it. Wearing custom earplugs is one of the best ways to do this and to keep your hearing healthy for years to come.
Once your hearing is damaged, it can’t be reveresed!
“Your hearing is an important part of your life that you don’t want to take for granted. As you age, it is natural for your hearing to decline. However, when you are younger, it is easy to damage your hearing without even realising it.” Above image using Electron Microscopy, shows healthy cochlear hair cells and damaged ones after exposure to noise.
Custom-Made Earplugs
The clear choice for everday protection
Disposable earplugs may seem like a convenient and cost-effective solution to protect your hearing, but they are not suitable for everyone. Disposable earplugs are made of plastic or foam and may not fit into a person’s ears securely, resulting in a lack of protection. Furthermore, they are not designed to be reused, and as such are bad for the environment.
They can also be uncomfortable for those with more sensitive hearing, small or large ear canals or any ear that has an unusual shape due to birth trauma or surgery. In contrast, custom molded earplugs are individually crafted to fit the unique contours of your ears. They are made of a soft, safe, hypoallergenic material that will provide effective protection and comfort. In addition, custom molded earplugs can be reused and cleaned, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution.
How do I get fitted for custom earplugs?
At Lake Hearing, we take the time to ensure that your earplugs provide the perfect fit and desired protection. To begin the process, we take an impression of your ear. This involves slowly injecting a soft, medical-grade silicone into your outer ear, giving it a few minutes to cure before it’s removed to reveal the impression used to create your earplugs. After we’ve completed your impressions, they’re sent to a manufacturer who will create custom-made earplugs based on the shape of your ear. Once your earplugs are ready, we’ll book an appointment, and you can try them to ensure a perfect, comfortable fit. Your custom earplugs also come complete with a handy case and with proper care, your earplugs should last for many years.
What types of custom earplugs are available?
Swim Plugs
Custom ear plugs are a great investment for regular swimmers. They provide reliable protection from water, sand and bacteria entering your ears, reducing the chance of painful and annoying ear infections. With a custom-fit earplug, you can be sure of a snug, comfortable fit that will block out water and debris, while still allowing you to hear and stay aware of your surroundings. They are a great way to prevent ear infections and enjoy swimming without any worries. Whether you’re an amateur swimmer, a professional athlete, or simply enjoy spending time in the pool for fun, a custom earplug can make your swimming experience more enjoyable and safe. They are also perfect for children with grommets or anyone with a perforated eardrum or regular water-related ear infections.
Sleep Plugs
Sleep plugs are a great way to help you get a good night’s sleep if you live on a busy street, your partner snores, or if you have trouble falling asleep if there is even a small amount of noise. Sleep plugs are designed to fit comfortably in your ear and are made of soft, comfortable materials. With sleep plugs, you can drift off to sleep without being disturbed by noise and enjoy a restful night of sleep.
Noise Blocking Plugs
Noise blocking plugs are beneficial to people who work in noisy environments where they are exposed to long periods of loud, consistent noise. They are also a must have if you are exposed to loud noises such as rifle shooting, machinery or powertools. They can help to reduce the noise levels, and therefore reduce your chances of developing hearing loss.
Musicians Plugs
Musician plugs are specially designed to protect your ears while allowing you to enjoy your music at a safe level without compromising the sound quality. These plugs use acoustic filters to achieve the desired effect. These filters are designed to reduce the overall sound level, while still allowing you to hear the music clearly. You can choose between 10, 15 and 25dB attenuation, depending on your preference.
Call us on 4928 1360 to make an appointment or book online
Hours
Monday: 9.00am – 4.30pm
Tuesday: 9.00am – 4.30pm
Wednesday: 9.00am – 4.30pm
Thursday: 9.00am – 4.30pm
Friday: 9.00am – 4.30pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 12.00 noon
Sunday: Closed