About Hearing Protection Devices

1. About Hearing Protection Devices Very often people are unaware of how easily their hearing can be damaged when they are exposed to unnaturally high noise levels, even though an issue such as NIHL – Noise-Induced Hearing Loss – receives great coverage in the press, medical journals, and among professionals that understand the effects of too much noise on one’s ability to hear. Hearing is one of life’s best gifts and is difficult to get back to once you no longer have it. Loud noise, such as is heard at the shooting range during exercise or competition, or when hunters fire away when they are out in the field tracking down their prey, can cause considerable problems with hearing ability – at times almost immediately. Sound levels are measured in what is referred to as dB - i.e., decibels. The higher the dB, the stronger the possibility for NIHL to occur. It is said that exposure to dB higher than 85 dB may be cause for concern as it could lead to degrees of hearing loss, which is exacerbated by constant or regular exposure - with higher levels of sound, posing a greater risk. A normal conversation between people tend to measure around 60 dB (never much higher) which is an indication of what is acceptable, but the moment dB of 90, 100, and more is recorded, then one could be a candidate for tinnitus (ongoing ringing or buzzing in the ears) or worse, hearing loss - and even permanently. Hearing can be interfered with under various circumstances, such as the mentioned cases of hunters and shooters being exposed to sudden harsh sounds, including those who work in circumstances where, for example, environmental and industrial noise could be a factor. Think of loud machinery in factories, around aircraft and jet engines, power tools, explosives, and loud music in clubs and at events. All of these have the potential to cause serious damage to people’s hearing. That is why more than ever before earplugs are considered a viable solution for people that are concerned about the possible damage to their hearing because of unacceptable high dB levels and unnatural sounds damaging their hearing. Earplugs, of course, are manufactured and sold in different forms and as different options. For example, noise-reducing earplugs are offered to help eliminate noise at various levels and are available to users according to preference and price. One popular type is the disposable earplug that you preferably wear once only and then discard. These are normally made of a foam material and are cheap enough to discard after one use. Another option, slightly more expensive than the first, is a reusable ear or noise plug made of soft silicone. You can clean them after use and wear them more than just once or a few times. Earmuffs are the next step up and considerably more expensive, but they also offer better features than the plugs one discards after use. Earmuffs offer better protection than many plugs and are often seen around heavy machinery and in loud industrial environments. Then there is still the protection offered by custom-fit hearing protection plugs. These are often the most sought-after as this category ensures that the customer that buys them receives a pair made for him/her especially. They are normally prepared after the individual has molds taken of the shape of their ear by a healthcare professional such as an audiologist. They are made to fit the exact shape of the user’s ears and depending on who one buys from, may offer different advanced features such as digital hearing protection.

2. Devices are made to allow acceptable dB through; however, high noise levels and sounds that could damage the hearing, are blocked out. Many more people these days are looking at this option to offer maximum protection against the adverse effects of loud sounds such as gunfire and other similar noise. About Us Electronic Shooters Protection (ESP) has been in business for more than 20 years and provides the best in terms of electronic protection for ears. Products are custom made to fit the individual’s ears to allow maximum protection while still hearing the sound. You hear all-natural sounds in the area and you can enjoy normal conversation, but our products will protect you from the harmful effects of loud and damaging sounds such as gunfire. Our digital products are state of the art and among the best available on the market. For more information about ESP and our top range of products, please get in touch by visiting https://espamerica.com.