Hearing Protection

The Hearing Care Partnership provides expert hearing protection services ranging from basic ear plugs to custom-moulded specialist products for music, shooting, motor sports, water sports and much more. Just speak to one of our experienced audiologists about your requirements.

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Why your hearing needs protection

Your hearing is extremely delicate and vulnerable to damage from loud noises. Even brief exposure to excessive noise levels can permanently and irreversibly harm the inner ear hair cells critical for hearing. Wearing proper hearing protection like earplugs or ear defenders in noisy environments is essential to prevent this kind of permanent hearing damage.

Regular hearing tests are also important for monitoring your hearing health over time and detecting any issues early before significant deterioration occurs. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to increased risks of cognitive decline, dementia, and other health issues.

Combining consistent use of hearing protection with routine screenings is vital for safeguarding your hearing abilities and overall well-being long-term.

How noise damages your hearing

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is caused by repeated exposure to excessive noise levels or even brief exposure to a sudden loud noise, such as an explosion. There are tiny hair cells in our ears which transmit signals for the brain to interpret as sound. When these are damaged by pressure waves (sound waves), the transmission of signals from the inner ear to the brain is also affected, so your hearing deteriorates.

The damage caused to the hair cells in your ears is permanent, which means the hearing loss is irreversible. However, it can be prevented with good quality hearing protection. Loud working environments used to be a primary contributor to NIHL, leading to the introduction of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. Nowadays, recreational activities can be a more significant cause of noise-induced hearing loss.

How loud is too loud?

Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). Exposure to loud noises can lead to permanent hearing damage, and the risk increases with both the decibel level and duration of exposure. Here are some key points about how loud is too loud:

Sounds at or above 85 decibels (dB) can cause gradual hearing loss with prolonged exposure. The maximum recommended exposure time at 85 dB is 8 hours per day.
For every 3 dB increase in noise level above 85 dB, the recommended maximum exposure time is cut in half. For example, at 88 dB, the safe exposure limit is only 4 hours.
Even everyday sounds like a vacuum cleaner (70 dB) or city traffic (80 dB) can contribute to hearing loss if the exposure is prolonged over 8 hours.
At 100 dB, which is typical for a loud concert or nightclub, hearing damage can occur after just 15-30 minutes of exposure without hearing protection. With hearing protection, the safe exposure time can increase up to 8 hours.
Sounds above 120 dB can cause almost immediate hearing damage (the safe exposure limit is only 7 seconds) without hearing protection.

Chart about sounds.

Both the loudness and duration of noise exposure matter for protecting your hearing health.

When to protect your ears

It’s important to protect your ears in various situations, including water sports, during sleep, at concerts, in the workplace, and with activities such as shooting or motorsports.

Motorsports, and shooting activities often involve loud noises that can harm your hearing over time.

Prolonged exposure to noise at concerts, and in the workplace can also cause hearing loss.

Identifying these scenarios and taking proactive measures to safeguard your hearing is crucial for maintaining auditory health.

Types of hearing protection

There are several types of hearing protection. Earplugs are one of the most common and effective. They are inserted directly into the ear canal to block noise. At The Hearing Care Partnership, we offer a range of hearing protection solutions tailored to suit different needs and environments.

Custom earplugs

Made from impressions of your ear canal for a personalised, comfortable fit, superior noise reduction and hearing damage, whether you’re at work or play.

Earplugs for sleeping

Ensure a peaceful night’s rest without disturbances with these comfortable earplugs designed for sleeping.

A man playing saxophone with hearing protection.

Earplugs for musicians

Specifically engineered to preserve sound clarity while reducing harmful noise levels, these earplugs are essential for musicians and performers.

How do I book an appointment?

At The Hearing Clinic Partnership, our experienced audiologists want to provide you with the perfect solution tailored to your needs and your lifestyle.

During a hearing protection appointment, they will begin with a consultation to discuss your needs and examine your ears. They will evaluate factors like your noise exposure levels, work environment, and personal preferences to determine the most suitable type of hearing protection for you

If custom-moulded earplugs are recommended, the audiologist will take precise impressions of your ear canals to create earplugs moulded to fit your ears perfectly for maximum comfort and noise protection. You will also receive thorough training on properly inserting, wearing, cleaning, and maintaining your specific hearing protection devices to ensure effective use.

Book online

Book a free hearing protection consultation at your preferred practice

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Book by phone

Call us on 0800 52 00 546. Lines are open Monday – Saturday 08:30 – 17:00.

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FAQs

Hearing protection is recommended for any noise levels above 85 dB. Prolonged exposure to sounds at or above this level can cause permanent hearing damage. Common sources of harmful noise include:

85 dB: Hair dryer, food blender
88 dB: Heavy traffic
90 dB: Lawn mowers, motorbikes
100 dB: Nightclubs
110 dB: Chainsaws, music festivals
130 dB: Emergency sirens, jet engines

Using earplugs or ear defenders in noisy environments can help protect against hearing loss.

Custom-moulded ear plugs provide the most effective hearing protection. They are made from an impression of your ear canal, ensuring a perfect fit and superior noise-blocking capabilities compared to disposable or one-size-fits-all options.

The most affordable option we offer is £84, while our most commonly purchased custom plugs are £149. Customers who purchase the ear plugs directly through us do not need to pay the separate £30 fee for taking ear impressions. Despite being more expensive than disposable plugs, custom moulded ear plugs provide a tailored, personalised fit to your ear canals along with superior noise isolation. This makes them an excellent investment for reliable, comfortable hearing protection suited to your specific needs.

To properly insert ear plugs, follow these steps:

Clean Hands: Ensure your hands are clean to avoid introducing dirt into your ears.
Roll: If using foam ear plugs, roll them between your fingers to compress them into a thin, crease-free cylinder.
Pull Ear: Reach over your head with the opposite hand and gently pull the top of your ear upwards and outwards to straighten the ear canal.
Insert: Insert the compressed ear plug into your ear canal. If using pre-moulded ear plugs, simply push them into the ear canal.
Hold: Hold the ear plug in place for a few seconds while it expands to fill the canal (for foam ear plugs).
Check Fit: Ensure the ear plug is snug and comfortable, and that it significantly reduces surrounding noise.

Proper insertion is crucial for effective noise protection.

Ear plugs should be cleaned regularly. Avoid using harsh chemicals or submerging them completely. To clean ear plugs:

Foam Ear Plugs: Dispose of them after use; they are generally not reusable.
Silicone or Rubber Ear Plugs: Wash them with mild soap and warm water, then let them air dry completely before use.
Custom Ear Plugs: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, usually involving gentle washing with soap and water, and allow them to fully air dry before reinserting.

Regular cleaning prevents ear infections and maintains effectiveness.

Noise-cancelling headphones can help reduce exposure to loud sounds in noisy environments. However, they are not designed as dedicated hearing protection devices. It’s important to use them responsibly and not rely solely on them for hearing protection in extremely loud settings.

For optimal hearing safety in noisy environments, custom-moulded ear plugs are recommended.