You understand the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect your skin and sunglasses to shield your eyes, but do you give much thought to protecting your ears?
Many people don’t worry about ear protection until they start to experience hearing loss. But with the rise in noise exposure from digital devices, high-risk work environments, and high-profile celebrities like Moby, Will.I.Am., and Chris Martin of Coldplay experiencing hearing loss, more people are becoming aware of both the need to protect their hearing and the many options on the market for doing so.
Hearing protection doesn’t have to be drab or unsightly. In fact, just like sunglasses, there is a wide range of fashionable and functional hearing protection options for everyone from young children to older adults.
Whether you want your hearing protection to be nearly invisible, or want to stand out with a fashionable design, you’ll be able to find a product that works for you.
In honor of Better Hearing Month, here are some of the newest products on the market for ear protection:
Barely There Earplugs
Knops: Advertised as “the volume button for your ears”, these adjustable earplugs let you go back and forth between hearing at full volume, total noise canceling, and two stages in between. They’re perfect for those on the go who might need a quiet work environment at one point in their day, and protection against the noise of a concert later.
Other unobtrusive ear plug options include Dubs and Loop, which promise to filter out excess noise without sacrificing style.
Protect Tiny Ears
Caremuffs: To protect the smallest ears, Caremuffs feature a stretchy elastic band and super-soft materials to keep the earmuffs comfortably on infants and young children.
Parents use Caremuffs when to protect kids’ ears around noisy yard work, loud concerts and sporting events, and anywhere else they’re concerned about their little ones’ hearing.
Sleek Hearing Aids
HeX Earbuds: For older adults or anyone already suffering from hearing loss, a product like HeX can both enhance the sounds of conversation and music while protecting ears from further damage. HeX Earbuds use 3D printing to make customized earbuds that fit every user, eliminating issues with poorly fitted hearing aids that prevent many people from wearing the right ear protection.
If you’re experiencing hearing loss or other hearing issues (like tinnitus), don’t wait to get help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment — and consider protecting your ears with your choice of protective device.