Anybody with hearing issues or ears that are vulnerable to infection should know that protection is vital. If you’re going to keep your ear health in great condition, though, you must keep them safe in every situation.

Not everyone needs specialized ear protection, but many do for at least some of their regular activities. Let’s look at just five where audiologist experts advise extra care.

Music production

When working in the music industry, your ears are easily the most valuable asset of all. As such, keeping them protected is vital. This can be achieved by limiting sound output on speakers or headphones. However, it’s far more common to use earplugs that use built-in filters to block out certain frequencies and pitches. Without that protection, working in this type of environment can put you at a huge long-term risk. Preventing that potential hearing loss is essential.

Swimming

When swimming, noise is unlikely to be an issue. On the other hand, water getting into the ear canal can be a major problem. It’s not a big deal for most casual swimmers with healthy ears, but athletes should protect their ears in this way. Meanwhile, those with perforated eardrums or pressurized equalization must take note. Over the shelf items are fine for people without existing problems. But those with the above elements should consider custom ear protection. In more severe cases, you may also need to think about wearing plugs in the bath or shower.

Machine handling

Loud noises are a byproduct of using heavy machinery and equipment. Sadly, being exposed to it for long periods can cause irreversible damage. Aside from ringing, tinnitus and earaches, you could suffer from gradual hearing loss. Ear defenders and muffs go a long way to overcoming those problems. It’s not only drilling and the obvious work activities that should be considered. Car mechanics are just one example of less blatant candidates for this type of protection. Getting it right is essential for the long-term health of your ears.  

Shooting

Clay shooting, hunting and other gun-based activities expose you to large blasts of sounds. This, combined with the subsequent sound waves can lead to ringing. Aside from the immediate issues, long-term hearing loss and vulnerability to earaches can surface. Therefore, wearing muffs is imperative in those situations. If your ears are sensitive to infection, it’s best to have a pair specifically for you as sharing could lead to problems. Quite frankly, those covers are an essential part of your attire.  

Sleeping

The importance of a great night’s sleep is undeniable. Outside noise can make it difficult to drift off and may also disrupt your rest too. Soft earplugs cancel the noise without causing any discomfort. Custom options are available when required while standardized ones are also used by millions. They can be useful in the evenings but are especially great for people who work nights or work in environments where they sleep on site. They can also be very handy for long-haul flights and other journey types.