Are you worried about the level of noise your hearing is subjected to each day? The fact is that not everyone is aware of how day-to-day noises and sound levels can affect their hearing. For example, most of us will wear sunglasses to protect our eyes when the sun is out, but few of us will use hearing protection to protect our ears when exposed to higher noise levels.

How do you recognize when you should wear hearing protection? OSHA recommends that if noise levels exceed 85 decibels (dB) for prolonged periods, hearing protection should be worn. Once noise levels breach this point, it can potentially cause permanent damage to your hearing. So, when should you wear hearing protection?

At Work

If you work in an environment where noise levels are constantly high due to machinery, car engines, or air traffic noise, or in an environment where music or sound levels are increased such as mobile theatres, concerts halls and theatre, then it is worth using hearing protection to make sure you are protecting your hearing. For example, did you know some movies can breach 100dB? In addition, some people choose to wear foam earplugs when in a noisy environment to reduce noise levels, especially if they are around high noise levels for long periods.

At Concerts

We all know that when you go to a concert, the noise levels will be far above that of any other day-to-day noise you may encounter. If you are a frequent concert goer or you spend a lot of time in an environment where loud music is played, then your audiologist may suggest that you consider wearing hearing protection of some sort. Be it over the ear defenders who can block out high levels of noise to a more comfortable level or small inconspicuous earbuds that can provide some protection against loud sounds.

Sporting Events

Did you know the super bowl has recorded levels of over 107dB? This can be said of any major sporting event, and if you are a frequent visitor of live sporting matches, then being in the presence of sound levels over 100dB for over 15 minutes can be enough to have a profound effect on your hearing. So, while you might feel wearing hearing protection will reduce the impact of a live music event, protecting your hearing is something you can benefit from for the rest of your life.

At Home

How often do you take stock of the noise levels around your home? If you work as a cleaner or constantly run your vacuum around the house, noise levels can push past the 85dB level that causes hearing loss. In addition, power tools, radios and even children's toys can put your hearing at risk.

Talk to your audiologist if you are concerned about how noise is affecting your hearing or experiencing any levels of hearing loss, as they can help you work out how you can best protect your hearing.

One of the most important steps to getting the most out of your hearing aid, is the hearing aid fitting that you will have. Overall, the whole process is quite a simple one, but having the right hearing health professional will help. If you’re not sure what to expect at your appointment, then here are four things to expect and be ready for, during a hearing aid fitting appointment.

Questionnaire

One of the first things that you will do in a hearing aid fitting is to go through a questionnaire. There is likely to be a self-assessment form, which is done at two points during the appointment; once at the start, and once at the end. This is to help to gauge how your hearing is doing to help the hearing health professional, and show how much your hearing improves over the process of the appointment with the hearing aids in place. There is also likely to be another questionnaire that is specific to you, to assess your lifestyle and needs, when it comes to hearing aids.

Physical fitting

The physical fitting is a vital part of the hearing aid fitting, as this is where you will see what is comfortable, what isn’t and what you prefer with your hearing aids. Having a hearing aid that is properly fitted is so important for its functionality. By the end of the fitting you will know what fits well, so that you will want to carry on wearing them. You won’t get the full benefit of them if they are not fitted well. The position of the microphone will also be assessed, as there are different receivers on hearing aids. If the microphone is in the wrong place, then it means background noise could be picked up when it doesn’t need to be.

Guidance on how to use

One of the things that your hearing health professional will do, is to spend some time with you to teach you how to use your hearing aid devices in the correct way. Doing so will help to prolong the length of their life and mean that damage will be reduced. Your hearing health professional will talk you through some of the simple things first, which will include the basics of how they work, such as changing the volume as well as battery replacement. Your hearing health professional will also help to program the hearing aids to different settings. So, depending on your lifestyle, you can get the most out of them.

Hearing expectations

One of the last things that will happen at a hearing aid fitting appointment is that you will talk about what is expected because of wearing hearing aids, so that expectations can be managed. Your hearing can take some time to adjust to wearing hearing aids, and hearing things at a new volume level. As such, your ears need to adapt and adjust. Being prepared with what to look out for can really help, so that you will be prepared for what will come up.