Hearing Protection
Protecting your hearing today is the most effective way to prevent permanent and irreversible hearing loss in the future.
Why Hearing Protection Matters
Noise induced hearing loss is one of the most common and entirely preventable health conditions in Australia, accounting for an estimated 37% of all hearing loss cases. The delicate hair cells inside the cochlea that convert sound vibrations into signals for the brain do not regenerate once damaged. Unlike many other health conditions, noise induced hearing loss is permanent, meaning that prevention is far more effective than any treatment available after the fact.
Hearing damage does not always happen dramatically. In most cases it develops gradually and silently over years of repeated exposure to noise levels that may seem manageable in the moment. Sounds above 85 decibels, including traffic, power tools, machinery, live music and even prolonged use of headphones at high volume, can cause cumulative damage over time. By the time most people notice the effects, a significant and irreversible degree of hearing loss has already occurred. Taking action now, before any symptoms appear, is the most responsible and effective approach to lifelong hearing health.
Who Needs
Hearing Protection?
Hearing protection is not only for people working in obviously loud industrial environments. A much wider range of people can benefit from using appropriate ear protection on a regular basis. You may benefit from hearing protection if any of the following apply:
You work in a noisy environment, such as construction, manufacturing, mining, or engineering
You regularly attend or perform at live music events, concerts, or festivals
You are a musician, music teacher, sound engineer, or DJ
You ride a motorcycle or participate in motorsports
You use power tools, lawn mowers, or other loud machinery at home or at work
You swim regularly or are prone to ear infections or water related ear problems
You have difficulty sleeping due to snoring, traffic noise, or other ambient sounds
You are exposed to any environment where noise levels regularly exceed comfortable levels
Types of hearing protection:
Hearing Protection Options Available at Acute Hearing Solutions: At Acute Hearing Solutions, we offer a comprehensive range of custom made and standard hearing protection solutions to suit different environments, lifestyles and levels of noise exposure. Our audiologists will assess your individual situation and recommend the most appropriate option for your needs.
Custom Made Noise Attenuating Earplugs: Also known as musician's earplugs, these are precision custom moulded to fit the exact shape of your individual ear canal. They contain a specially designed filter that reduces noise to a safe and adjustable level while preserving the natural quality and clarity of sound. The filter level can be customised based on your specific environment and preferences. These plugs are ideal for musicians, performers, and anyone who needs protection without sacrificing sound quality. Available in ER-9, ER-15, and ER-25 models offering 9, 15, and 25 decibel reductions, respectively.
Passive Custom Made Earplugs: These plugs are custom moulded in the same way as noise attenuating plugs, but do not contain a filter. They are designed to reduce as much noise as possible and are well suited to very high noise industrial environments where maximum attenuation is the priority and sound quality is less of a concern. Custom made passive plugs can provide noise reduction up to class 5 industry standards.
Custom Made Swim Plugs: Crafted from a velvety soft silicone material and custom fitted to each individual's ear canal, swim plugs provide a watertight seal that keeps water out during swimming, surfing, and other water activities. They are particularly recommended for people with grommets, eardrum perforations, a history of swimmer's ear, or recurring ear infections. Available in a range of colours for both adults and children.
Custom Made Sleep Plugs: Sleep plugs are custom moulded from a soft and flexible silicone material designed to remain comfortable throughout the night without causing pressure or discomfort. They reduce disruptive ambient noise such as snoring, traffic, and other environmental sounds while still allowing the wearer to hear important sounds such as alarms. Consistent sleep disturbance can have a significant impact on physical and mental wellbeing, and sleep plugs can play an important role in ensuring a restful and restorative night's sleep.
Non Custom Earplugs: A practical and cost effective option available in a range of standard sizes, non custom earplugs are designed for specific noise environments and offer reliable protection without the need for a custom fitting appointment. They are a suitable option for occasional use or as a temporary measure while awaiting custom plugs.
Ear Muffs: Ear muffs are an excellent choice for use in any loud environment and generally provide higher levels of noise attenuation than disposable plugs. They are easy to put on and remove and are particularly well suited to situations where verbal communication is not required, such as operating heavy machinery or working with power tools.
Disposable Earplugs: Made from soft foam that moulds to the shape of the ear canal, disposable plugs are a convenient and affordable option designed for single or short term use. They are widely available and easy to use, though they may not provide a reliable seal for all ear canal shapes and are not suitable for extended or ongoing use.
Types of Hearing Loss
You may be eligible to apply for free hearing services for veterans and pensioners and book a free hearing test if you’re an Australian Citizen or permanent resident, over 21 years of age and are a:
Conductive
Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot efficiently pass through the outer or middle ear. Sounds may seem quieter or slightly muffled, though clarity can often be restored by increasing volume. Essentially, a mechanical barrier is preventing sound vibrations from reaching the inner ear
Common Causes
Earwax blockage (cerumen impaction)
Middle ear infections (otitis media)
Fluid behind the eardrum
Earwax blockage (cerumen impaction)
Eardrum perforation
Problems with the ossicles, such as otosclerosis
Narrowing or malformation of the ear canal
Sensorineural
Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss reduces both volume and clarity and commonly affects the ability to hear speech in noisy environments.
Common Causes
Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)
Noise exposure (workplace, concerts, machinery)
Genetic factors
Ototoxic medications
Viral or bacterial infections affecting the inner ear
Head trauma or neurological conditions
Mixed
Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural loss. For example, a person may have age-related inner ear changes alongside a middle ear infection.
Common Risk Factors for Hearing Loss
Long-term noise exposure
Family history of hearing loss
Increasing age
Chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes)
Frequent ear infections in childhood or adulthood
Use of ototoxic medications
— custom fitting process
How Custom Ear
Protection Is Made
Getting custom hearing protection at Acute Hearing Solutions is a quick and straightforward process. Our audiologists take precise impressions of your ear canals, which are then used to manufacture plugs that fit the exact contours of your individual ears. A custom fit ensures the most effective seal and the most comfortable long term wear compared to any standard off the shelf alternative.
The custom fitting process includes:
Ear Canal Assessment: Your audiologist will examine your ear canals to ensure they are clear and healthy before impressions are taken.
Ear Impressions: A soft impression material is gently introduced into the ear canal to create a precise mould of its unique shape. The process is quick, painless, and takes only a few minutes.
Plug Fabrication: Your impressions are sent to a specialist manufacturer where your custom plugs are precision crafted from medical grade silicone material to match your exact ear canal shape.
Fitting and Review: Once your plugs are ready, your audiologist will check the fit, ensure the seal is effective, and provide guidance on insertion, care, and maintenance.
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