How does hearing loss affect us?

It is well documented that people with hearing loss are more likely to experience emotional distress and loneliness. The condition is said to double the risk of developing depression and  sufferers are twice as likely to develop dementia.

Hearing loss can have a highly detrimental effect on the health and wellbeing of individuals, both physically and emotionally. Sufferers are less likely to participate in social activities and it may have a negative impact on their working lives. This often leads to a loss of confidence, spending less time with friends/family and more time feeling isolated.

The scale of hearing loss in Britain

Hearing loss affects an estimated 17% of adults in the UK. This equates to 11 million people so 1 in 6 of of this country’s population. This figure is projected to climb to 1 in 5 by 2025. Forty percent of people aged 50+ are affected and 1 in 10 of us suffer from Tinnitus.

The main causes of hearing loss

There are several different reasons why people might lose their hearing. Sudden hearing loss in one ear may be down to earwax, an ear infection or a perforated eardrum. Sudden hearing loss in both ears may be due to damage from a very loud noise, or taking certain medication. Gradual loss of hearing in one ear may be due to fluid inside the ear, bone growth (Otosclerosis) or a build up of skin cells (Cholesteatoma). Gradual loss of hearing in both ears is usually caused by ageing or exposure to loud / persistent noise over a period of time.

Preventing hearing loss

There are a number of things individuals can do to protect our hearing such as not exposing ourselves to excessive noise in our social lives, not inserting things into our ears (fingers, cotton buds, cotton wool etc.) However, as business owners providing ear protection for workers exposed to consistent levels of industrial noise is a must.

Disposable ear plugs, ear defenders and moulded ear plugs are the main types of hearing protection available.

ProtectHear Moulded Ear Plugs

ProtectHear® is a custom moulded ear plug that does not over protect or under protect the ears because the passive, acoustic filter allows safe noise to pass through. This means when wearing these uniquely moulded ear plugs your workers can still have conversations with colleagues and hear warning sounds, without jeopardising their ear protection. ProtectHear®  moulded ear plugs have a 5-year lifespan, making them incredibly cost-effective.  There are options available to integrate factory radio communications with them too.

ProtectHear® offer a ‘Try Before you Buy’ for up to 10 people for an 8-week trial period.

Call us week days between 9am and 5.30pm on 01507 604322.  Or contact us online if you would like to book an appointment or a have discussion about ProtectHear® moulded ear plugs.