Types & Effects of Deafness
Hearing Protection is any device or implement that is worn on or in or over the ears to protect them from noises that are above the range of normal hearing safety. It is also called "Personal Protective Equipment" or PPE. Hearing protection can be as simple as two small pieces of foam, to something as elaborate as digital ear muffs that cover the entire outer ear and are compatible with hard hats.
Anyone who works or socializes in a noisy environment needs hearing protection. Whether young or old, already having hearing loss or not, parents, guardians, teachers, anyone who is responsible for others should make sure that no matter what environment they are in, hearing protection has been provided for if it becomes necessary. We live in a culture where many times loud noise is celebrated and encouraged, and responsible people need to ensure that in whatever situations arise, they have provided for their own hearing protection and the protection of those who are with them.
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[Edit]1 Environments Requiring Hearing Protection
Any place where you can expect loud or sustained noise levels. Industrial work places where very large, very loud machinery is operating will require hearing protection. Shooting ranges where guns are fired, a person would especially need hearing protection. Most sports stadiums now pride themselves on how loud their fans can get and sometimes the noise levels in stadiums like Indianapolis can approach jet engine levels, which is a harmful level. Some movie theaters are now cranking up the sound to high levels to take advantage of new audio technology. Many top rock and heavy metal musicians are now admitting that their loud music has left them with hearing problems, so any type of music concert with high levels of sound will require hearing protection.
[Edit]2 Types Of Hearing Protection
1. Ear plugs are the most common. Made of everything from foam to wax to plastic, they are made to fit inside the outer ear canal and block or at least lessen the access of sound waves to the inner ear. These are worn when up to 50% of the noise in the surrounding environment needs to be blocked.
2. Banded Ear Protectors. These look like headphones for a walkman or an Ipod except they consist of a band that goes on top of the head and two small plugs where the pads over the ears would be. These are worn when up to 75% of sound in the area needs to be blocked.
3. Fully Padded Headphones. These look like stereo headphones for listening to music, that completely cover the outer ear, except they do not transmit any sound. These are worn when it's necessary to block out everything from 75% to 100% of the noise in the environment.
[Edit]3 Costs of Hearing Protection
The simple ear plugs made out of foam can be purchased for less than $1. The more sophisticated headphone type of hearing protectors such as those used at shooting ranges can cost anywhere from $15 for a generic type, all the way to $150 for a top of the line model that will let no sound in at all. Since the price of most generic types of hearing protectors is so small, everyone can ensure they have something on hand or close by that can be utilized if the need becomes apparent.
