Exposure to noise is the most common cause of sensorineural hearing loss. Noise is considered harmful when it reaches 85 decibels. About 22-million workers are exposed to hazardous noise each year. That doesn’t include the number of people who participate in sports or hobbies that put their hearing at risk. Sommerville Audiology offers hearing protection that is comfortable and effective at preventing noise-induced hearing loss.
Earmolds for hearing protection
Custom earmolds are made in two styles: full shell and half shell. The full-shell earmolds are for protecting against high levels of noise whereas half shell earmolds protect against mid-level noise. Sommerville Audiology can custom make either style to fit the contours of your ears comfortably. Choose from a variety of styles and colors.
Earplugs for hearing protection
Earplugs are hearing protection devices worn in the ear canal. Some models are solid, and others include attenuators that permit some sound to pass through. Custom earplugs fit more comfortably in the ear canal than off the shelf earplugs. They also give you a higher degree of protection.
Special use earmolds and earplugs
Not all earmolds and earplugs are for noise protection. Shift workers or others that need help in creating a quiet sleep environment use earmolds and earplugs. In addition, swimmers may want to protect against exposure to water and wind. Hunters and musicians have special needs. Sommerville Audiology takes the same care in fitting your hearing protection as they do fitting hearing aids. You get the protection customized for your needs in technology that is customized for your ears.
Hearing protection for hunters can amplify background noise while blocking the sound of gunfire. You hear the game and not the gunshot.
Listening to audio entertainment with earbuds can damage your hearing. If the sound is too loud, the cochlea can be permanently damaged. The answer is noise-canceling custom earbuds. They reduce background noise while delivering high-quality sound at a lower decibel level.
Swimmers, white water kayakers, and other water sports enthusiasts must keep their ears protected from wind and water. Custom earplugs from Sommerville Audiology are just the ticket. They keep water out but allow you to hear to the sounds you need to stay safe.
Musicians earplugs and monitors
Like hunters and gun enthusiasts, professional and amateur musicians have special hearing protection needs. They need to hear their voice or instrument clearly, but constant exposure to amplified sounds are dangerous. It’s a problem faced by all musicians.
Sommerville Audiology has been helping area musicians successfully protect their hearing with musicians’ earplugs and monitors and are ready to help you too. You’ll find comfortable, custom-made earplugs that prevent the distortion of your voice while protecting you during practices and performances. Because they fit so deeply in the ear, they are virtually invisible.
You’ll also find in-ear monitors to protect your hearing from extremely loud amplification systems encountered during live performances. You’ll hear your instrument or voice but at a much safer level.
To learn more about hearing protection or hearing tests in general, schedule an appointment today and receive a free hearing aid battery charger.
Hearing Protection Products We Offer Include:
Hunting:
Hunting, shooting and sudden noise. A filter instantaneously closes when damaging noise levels are reached. Allows essentially normal hearing at all other times.
Music:
Ideal for performing musicians and concert-goers. Also great for flight attendants, bartenders, waiters, dental professionals. Allows wearer to hear sounds accurately, but at reduced levels. Three filter options available: 9dB, 15dB or 25dB.
Swimming:
For swimming and showering – and they FLOAT! Also provide superb noise reduction.
Sleep:
Offers comfortable and uninterrupted rest. Also great for shift workers with non-traditional hours.
Motorsport:
Designed with a hollow canal for under helmet use to reduce wind buffeting.
Surf:
Designed to prevent surfer’s ear and swimmer’s ear caused by exposure to cold water and wind. The floatable material is molded with a sealed membrane spanning the sound bore that keeps cold water and air out of the ear canal, but allows for conversation and hearing while in the ear.
Occupational:
Ideal for high-noise industrial environments.
iCustom:
For use with any bud/button style earphones.
DefendEar 1:
Amplification for situational awareness, as well as noise attenuation when you pull the trigger.
DefendEar 2:
Offers two modes, game, which is optimized for intermittent shots, and clay mode, which is optimized for continued shots.
DefendEar Hunter:
Offers standard digital features and provides protection in windy environments.