Hearing explained
Your hearing is precious, and protecting it is essential. In this section, we’ll explain how hearing works, daily noise levels, and how even moderate sounds can cause irreversible damage over time. The right hearing protection can help preserve your hearing, improve comfort, and ensure you stay safe in noisy environments for years to come.
How hearing works
Sound begins as vibrations in the air, traveling through the ear canal to the eardrum, causing it to vibrate. These vibrations pass through the small bones in the middle ear to the inner ear, where hair cells convert them into electrical signals the brain interprets as sound.
Loud sounds can damage these delicate hair cells. Prolonged exposure can overload and destroy them. Once damaged, these cells cannot regenerate, leading to permanent hearing loss. Protecting your hearing early is crucial to prevent irreversible damage.
How sound affects hearing
Everyone’s sensitivity to sound varies, but noise levels above 80 dB(A) can gradually affect hearing. If you need to raise your voice to be heard, the surrounding sound is likely 80 dB(A) or more. The higher the noise level, the greater the potential impact on your hearing. Sudden, very loud noises, like an explosion or gunshot, can cause immediate discomfort and long-term hearing loss.
Prolonged exposure to noise levels between 80 and 120 dB can cause subtle, unnoticed damage over time. The longer the exposure, the greater the potential risk, which is why protection is key.
Permanent hearing changes
Exposure to loud sounds can overstimulate the hair cells in the inner ear, potentially leading to their damage or loss. The longer the exposure and the higher the noise level, the greater the risk of these cells being affected. As the number of healthy hair cells decreases, hearing ability can be impacted. Since hair cells do not regenerate, this damage can result in permanent changes to hearing.
The right hearing protection
Wearing the right hearing protection reduces the risk of hearing damage in both work and leisure environments. Whether you’re working or enjoying loud activities, proper protection ensures constant safety and the best experience. The key is consistent use, as wearing protection without interruption helps preserve your hearing while allowing you to enjoy sound without compromise.
