Why do we need ear protection?

Our hearing mechanism can detect the faintest whisper right up to the roar of a jet engine.

If you can imagine that the very fine, delicate, hair-like structures of the inner ear are a little like underwater grasses constantly in motion with the waves of the water. The bigger the sound (the bigger the movement of the water), the more the tiny structures (like the grasses) move.

Now imagine a huge underwater current violently shaking the underwater grasses. This is similar to what happens when we hear very loud sounds.

The fluid in our inner ears moves with enormous force which can damage the delicate, fine structures within our ears.

If this happens repeatedly over time or if the sound is of an extremely high level, this can result in permanent damage to our hearing, often with tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

The damage done to the delicate, fine hair-like structures, often occurs before any noticeable hearing loss. This is why ear protection/hearing protection is essential if you are at risk of noise damage. Read more in our blog How we hear

Who is at risk for noise induced hearing loss?

Musicians are at a high risk of noise induced hearing loss. Partly due to the level of sound that they experience, but also due to the repeated exposure to their art form. Read more in our blog How loud is too loud?

Several high-profile musicians and DJs have talked openly about their experience of hearing loss and tinnitus as a result of their careers.

The use of firearms whether for leisure or whilst serving in the armed forces is another risk for noise induced hearing loss. 

The use of heavy machinery and equipment, for example, power tools have also been linked to hearing loss.

Motorsports and riding a motorbike also expose the riders to high levels of sound, often for extended periods of time.

Basically, any situation where the noise level appears high enough to prevent you hearing conversational speech, can be potentially harmful.