Ear protection

We are constantly surrounded by noise, loud and soft, high and low. From conversations, movies, and music, to machinery, vehicles, and sirens, our ears are continually bombarded with sounds. When these noises are too loud – typically above 80 decibels – they can cause temporary or permanent damage to hearing. Exposure to the elements such as water and wind can also lead to hearing problems. Fortunately, wearing ear plugs can help to protect hearing without compromising safety or ability to hear speech or music. Advanced technology has made ear plugs more comfortable and effective than ever, with options to suit every lifestyle, activity, and preference.

Did you know that listening to a partner’s loud snoring is not only frustrating, but can compromise your hearing as well? Some snores can reach 90 decibels or more, exceeding safe noise levels. Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can also take a toll on your overall physical and mental health.

We can restore your ability to sleep more soundly while protecting your ears with SleepSound ear plugs. Originally crafted for shift workers who needed to sleep during the daytime, these ear plugs have become increasingly popular with people who have a partner who snores. They are made from soft, durable silicone, making them easy to insert and comfortable to wear night after night. The ear plugs are custom-made to fit your ears and effectively lower noise levels to a point where you can sleep without distraction.

For people who love to be in the water – or those who live in hot, humid environments – swimmer’s ear can become an uncomfortable condition. When water doesn’t fully drain from the ear, it can lead to an infection of the skin in the ear canal. This infection can cause inflammation and swelling in the ear, leading to hearing loss, as well as excruciating pain. While swimmer’s ear is highly treatable and clears up leaving no lasting hearing loss, this discomfort can be avoided by wearing swim plugs.

Surfer’s ear is another common condition, especially for those surfing in cold water. The combination of cold water and wind in the ear canal causes bony growths. These lumps of bone block the ear canal, restricting hearing and increasing the risk of ear infections. Treatment involves surgically removing these growths from the ear and a recovery period of several months. Properly fitted surf plugs can protect the ear from wind and water without disrupting balance or hearing. SurfEars ear plugs and Surfplugs are two popular brands of ear plugs specially designed for water enthusiasts.

Musicians and DJs, as well as concert-goers, are at increased risk of hearing loss from noisy environments. Even turning up an MP3 player or other music device too loudly can damage hearing. Repeated exposure can lead to noise-induced hearing loss, the second most common form of hearing loss after age-related hearing loss.

If you’re a musician or music lover, there’s no need to stop doing what you love. You can enjoy music at safer levels through specially designed ear plugs which filter or block noise but do not disrupt your ability to hear music or speech.

The recommended safe noise level is 80 decibels or below. Did you know that a gunshot can reach between 140-190 decibels? Exposure to these loud bangs without ear protection can cause immediate damage, so it’s vital you protect your hearing. There are several different types of ear plugs that can allow you to safely hear speech but dampen the sound of gunshots. Just one gunshot can cause permanent damage, so protect your ears every time you use a gun.

We will work with you to find the right ear plug option. We’ll take the time to understand all your hearing needs, learning about your lifestyle, and what type of hearing protection device or ear plug may work best for you. Many ear plugs are custom-fit, so we will take an impression of each ear and send them to the relevant specialist ear plug supplier.

You only get one pair of ears to last a lifetime, so let us help you to protect your hearing. If you’re worried that you may already have hearing damage, we can also conduct a full hearing test and work with you on protecting and maximizing your remaining hearing. Contact us today to book an appointment.

Appointments

All patients are seen on an appointment basis. Should you wish to make a booking, please contact our receptionists on
(011) 482-5530 and they will assist you in finalising a suitable date and time,

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