Ear Muffs

by Carol Gomes


Ear muffs are used to protect the ears from the blistering cold, rain, and hail. Venturing out into the yard during cold weather can be tricky, if one is not protectively outfitted from head to toe, and that includes protective covering for the ears. Since its invention in 1873 by Chester Greenwood, the generic ear muffs have become very important wearable gadgets to prevent hearing loss.

Most people are not aware that the human ear can only accept a maximum of 75 decibels of noise. Workers operating chainsaws, drilling machines, and grinders are the usual casualties of hearing loss. This happen when they do not wear protective ear muffs even if only for 0.25 or 10 minutes while operating the machinery. Meaning, even short but daily or frequent exposure to loud noises generated by these tools can destroy their hearing in time. Noise induced hearing loss is one hazard encountered in the workplace.

Care of the body should also entail attention to the ear. Muffs for ear protection are just one of the several measures to arm one's self against hearing loss. In choosing ear muffs, one must consider the type of equipment handled, and place of work. There are different ear muffs for different working environments like construction sites, forestry, pulp and paper industrial plants, and public utilities. Without any ear protection, workers are exposing themselves to the risks of hearing loss.

If you did not make it a habit to protect your ears with ear muffs from damaging noise, chances are you have a degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss is always irreversible. Audiologists can test a patient's hearing using an audiometer. Depending on the patient's style and budge, audiologists will recommend the right hearing aid. There are different hearing aid types for different kinds of hearing problems. One type is inserted completely inside the ear, another in the canal. One may opt for an in-the-ear, or a behind-the ear hearing aid. A hearing aid can help the hearing impaired get back into the regular mainstream.

Here are some useful tips to protect your hearing: use ear muffs to protect your ears every time you go outdoors during cold weather; if you are exposed to industrial noise, wear ear muffs. If your are into heavy sports always wear protective headgear and ear muffs.

Teenagers must not turn up the volume of their music beyond acceptable limits. This includes the volume of the TV, and other audio gadgets. Caution them to use ear muffs when they go on their motorcycle races. Let them wear ear muffs when operating the lawn mower. Check out if they are using the ear muffs properly. Make sure their ears are well-covered. If these are not properly worn, the entire exercise will be useless. Children and teenagers must understand that hearing loss is progressive and permanent. Once gone, it's gone.

Silence is golden but not for too long. So arm yourself and your family. Use appropriate ear muffs and protect yourselves from hearing loss.


Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.


Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
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