Hearing Protection
Loud and persistent noise can be detrimental to your health. Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is triggered by harm to the hair cells of the hearing organ (cochlea), by exposure to greater than ordinary noise concentrations. After age-related hearing loss, it is the second most widespread type of hearing loss.
Noise-induced hearing loss typically affects high frequencies between 3,000 and 6,000 Hertz (Hz), and gradually grows over the course of time. NIHL can occur when a person is exposed to sounds that reach 85 dBA or greater, which can result in damage or death to the delicate hair cells that transmit sound waves into nerve pulses that are sent to the brain. When these hair cells are damaged, they will not regenerate.
Hunters and shooters at risk
Hunters and shooters are especially vulnerable to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This may happen after exposure to even a single gunshot. A recent study by the University of Washington found that men who regularly hunt are more likely to have high frequency hearing loss, which increases by 7% every five years. This is not surprising, given that one gunshot can be between 140 and 190 decibels and can damage your hearing immediately.
Not enough hunters and shooters are using hearing protection. Of the 3,753 participants in the study mentioned earlier, 38% of target shooters and 95% of hunters in the last year admitted to not wearing hearing protection. These figures indicate that while hunters are likely to practice unsafe habits, most shooters are unlikely to step foot into a gun range without protection.
Musicians also at risk of noise-induced hearing loss
It’s not only shooters who are at risk of hearing damage, but musicians too. A German study conducted in 2014 found that musicians were about four times as likely to report a new noise-induced hearing loss compared to the average person. Although it is important to hear yourself when performing with others, it’s also important to protect the sense that you rely on the most in your career as a musician.
Noise-induced hearing loss is the only type of hearing loss that can be prevented. Whether you are heading into the woods to stalk a deer or heading to band practice, make sure you take adequate ear protection.
SoundGear™
Audiology Concepts is the leading provider of hearing protection as well as the main provider for SoundGear™.
SoundGear™ In-the-Canal
SoundGear In-the-Canal is the smallest and lightest dynamic digital hearing protection product on the market. Ready to wear right out of the box, it rests discreetly inside your ear to deliver natural wind reduction and superior sound quality.
- Industrial suppresses at 80dB and is OSHA compliant
- Shooters suppresses at 93dB
Our complete kit that we offer comes in a convenient carrying case and contains the following:
- One pair of SoundGear digital hearing protection devices
- Two pairs of orange silicone sleeves – (1) small (1) large
- Two pairs of black silicone sleeves – (1) small (1) large
- Two packs of batteries (Size 10)
- One cleaning brush
- 1-year limited warranty
- 30-day risk-free trial*
Custom Fit Solutions
Our SoundGear Custom Fit electronic hearing protection and enhancement products are for those who refuse to compromise when it comes to performance and personalization. This product is custom-molded to each wearer’s ear and features the most advanced 100% digital electronic hearing protection and enhancement technology on the market.
SoundGear Custom Fit Platinum products are for the more avid hunter or professional shooter. They come with 4 distinct memory modes (Normal, High-Frequency Boost, Telecoil, and Mute).
We also offer SoundGear Custom Fit Silver products as our base model for those who may not shoot as often or professionally. Silver is just as effective as our Platinum models, but includes only one memory mode.