Hearing Conversation and Specialty Products

Every day we are exposed to environmental sounds including traffic noise, television, radio, and household appliances such as vacuums. Normally, these sounds are heard at a safe level and do not affect our hearing. However, when we are exposed to harmful noise that is too loud and lasts for a long time, we are at risk for negative consequences including hearing loss, ringing in the ears, and sleep disturbances.

Excessive noise exposure is an increasing public health problem and affects people of all ages. Noise can come in many forms from occupational exposure in a factory setting, military experience, or recreational activities such as hunting. Noise induced hearing loss can be caused by a one-time exposure to a very loud impulse noise, or from long-term exposure to loud sounds.

Noise induced hearing loss is preventable. With education and the use of hearing protection products, the effects of noise exposure can be reduced, or even eliminated. There are many ways to practice safe listening including the following:

  • Become aware of everyday sounds and learn which sounds can cause damage to your ears.
  • Wear hearing protection when in the presence of sounds that can cause damage.
  • Protect the ears of young children by supplying them with hearing protection when in the presence of loud sounds.
  • Teach children about safe listening and the affects of noise exposure on hearing.
  • If you suspect hearing loss or suffer from ringing in the ear, consult your physician and have a hearing evaluation performed by a licensed audiologist.

There are many custom products available to help protect from noise exposure. When used regularly, these products will help eliminate the damaging effects of noise. You may contact Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center at (716) 885-8318 for more information on the following products:

  • Musician's earmolds
  • Hunter's earmolds
  • Custom products for occupational noise exposure
  • Motorcycle earmolds
  • Custom earmolds for use with iPods and MP3 players
  • Custom earmolds for use with cell phones