Hearing damage, often invisible and unnoticed, can have significant effects on your daily life. It occurs when the cilia in the inner ear become damaged. These microscopic hairs are essential for picking up sound waves and transmitting the right signals to our brain.
The causes of hearing damage vary. It can be a natural consequence of ageing, but in many cases the damage is due to excessive exposure to loud noise. This can be either a incidental exposure to extremely loud noise are, if prolonged exposure to less intense sounds. When these cilia exposed to excessive noise, they become overloaded and can break or be damaged. This results in the ear's ability to process sounds correctly, which can lead to hearing loss, noise or a constant beeping sound, also known as tinnitus.
It is important to realise that noise damage can already occur with exposure to sounds from 80 decibels – a level much lower than many realise. Regular exposure to such noise levels, especially in a work environment, can lead to irreversible hearing damage.
At Ronell, we understand the seriousness of this problem and are committed to the prevent of it. Read more to discover more about our tailor-made solutions and how you can protect yourself and your working environment from the risks of hearing damage.
It is important to be aware of the different types of hearing damage. Each type has its own features and challenges. Below, we highlight some common forms:
This may be the most commonly known form of hearing damage. It manifests itself as a persistent squeak, noise, or buzzing sound in the ears, even in silence. Tinnitus can lead to concentration problems and disruption of sleep.
In this form of hearing damage distorted sounds perceived. Clarity is lost, making it difficult to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments.
This involves a enhanced sensitivity for certain frequencies and sound levels. Everyday sounds can be perceived as unusually loud or disturbing.
Long-term exposure to noise can lead to a cumulative effect, with hearing damage gradually increasing and eventually causing permanent damage. We also call this the stacking effect.
In addition to these specific types of hearing damage, it is also important to consider the role of lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle can contribute positively to maintaining good hearing. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise and avoiding excessive noise exposure. In contrast, an unhealthy lifestyle, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and lack of exercise, can increase the risk of hearing damage and exacerbate existing problems.
At Ronell, we recognise The importance of both prevention and awareness. By highlighting these aspects, we aim to provide you with the best protection and advice to protect and preserve your hearing.
Hearing damage is irreversible, full stop. There is currently no cure for hearing damage. Once damaged, the cilia in the inner ear have no ability to recover, which means that the permanent damage is.
It is important to understand that even a noise level of 80 decibels, which does not seem extremely loud, can be harmful with prolonged exposure. Regular listening to sounds of this level can gradually lead to hearing damage. Even more alarming is the fact that a single exposure to a very loud sound, such as 120 decibels, immediate permanent damage can cause.
In the workplace, these risks are significant. Take, for example, the use of a circular saw, which can produce noise levels of around 105 decibels. This is well above the safe threshold. Similarly, in the police, firing a gun can reach noise levels of over 140 decibels - well above the threshold for direct hearing damage.
Given the permanent nature of hearing damage, Ronell's focus is on prevention. It is vital to be aware of the risks and take the right measures to protect your hearing, especially in environments where exposure to high noise levels is unavoidable. We offer tailored solutions and advice to keep your hearing safe in any situation.
Preventing hearing damage starts with a good understanding of the sound environment at your workplace. At Ronell Hearing Experts, we are focused on simplifying this crucial first step for you. Our local hearing consultants are equipped to take accurate noise measurements on site. On the basis of these measurements, we advise you on the most effective hearing protection, specifically tailored to your situation.
A key aspect of our service is offering custom-made otoplastics. These custom-made earplugs are manufactured with different types of filters, depending on the specific needs of your working environment.
At Ronell, we also understand the importance of comfort and acceptance by employees. Not everyone is enthusiastic about the idea of wearing hearing protection all day. That is why we are committed to modern and comfortable protection solutions, manufactured in our own laboratory. We use a variety of durable materials, from resin to silicone, and offer both hard and soft options. Our otoplastics can also be fitted with communication technology, allowing you to communicate easily with colleagues, even in noisy environments.
To increase employee support, we offer on-site toolbox meetings. During these sessions, we discuss specific issues and offer solutions that are not only effective, but also comfortable to wear.
We invite you to contact Ronell Hearing Experts if preventing hearing damage is also a priority for you. Whether it is a small team or a large company, protecting hearing is always our top priority.
With a dedicated contact in your area, we are always ready to provide you with the best hearing protection solutions. Contact us today for a safer and healthier working environment.
