Frequently Asked Questions:
Q:Why we should protect our hearing
A:Hearing is one of our most important senses, aiding us in our day to day lives, and playing an important role in our safety. Yet, as society continues to get louder, we place our hearing at even greater risk. Whether it is a loud club, or bar, or if you are merely walking by the side of a busy road, your hearing is being put under strain. According to a report from HHF2015,
• 26 million people in U.S. between ages 20-69 have hearing loss
• 20% of teens ages 12-19 have reported hearing loss due to loud noise
• 30 million U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels
Hearing problems may associated with cognitive decline, dementia, depression, hospitalization and heart disease, among other diseases and conditions, unless, the necessary precautions are taken.
Q:When should you wear them
A:Earplugs should be worn around any loud environmental noise, such as when around machinery, power tools, lawn equipment, gunfire, aircrafts, explosives, sporting events, motorcycles, and loud music to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Any sounds louder than 85 decibels have the potential for causing noise-induced hearing loss. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) require earplug use for workers exposed to loud noises. But, earplugs should be used by those engaging in loud recreational activites as well.
Q:How come earplugs never fully block out all noises
A:The conduction of sound takes place in 2 ways, through air and via bone. Our skull also picks up sonic vibration, this is called bone conduction. Via bone conduction our eardrum vibrates, because of which we perceive sound; we can hear it. Therefore, sound can never be blocked out completely, just by blocking the ear canal, so far, as we know there are no earplugs can totally block the noise.