What Jobs Require Ear Protection

Your ears are sensitive and protecting them from loud sounds is essential for maintaining good hearing over time. Frequent exposure to high noise levels can damage hearing, so ear protection is often recommended if you are regularly exposed to noise. An audiologist can help you find the right type of ear protection based on your job or lifestyle. But what jobs require ear protection and how do you know if it’s the right protection for you?

Construction Workers

Construction workers are regularly exposed to loud sounds from equipment like jackhammers, drills and heavy machinery. These noises are often intense and can reach levels that pose a risk to your hearing. Since construction sites are filled with these sounds throughout the day, it’s essential for workers to wear hearing protection. Earplugs or earmuffs can help reduce the impact of these noises, protecting construction workers’ hearing from risk of noise-induced hearing loss. By wearing ear protection, they can safely do their jobs while reducing the risk of permanent hearing loss.

Airport Staff

Working as an airport engineer or grounds crew member means being around a lot of loud noise, especially from airplane engines during takeoff, landing and maintenance checks. These engines can reach noise levels above 140 decibels, which can harm hearing without protection. Airport engineers working on planes and grounds crew members handling baggage or guiding aircraft are exposed to these intense sounds daily. To protect your hearing, you can wear earmuffs, specialized earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, which help lower the impact of these noises. Wearing ear protection allows you to reduce the risk of hearing loss.

Musicians

Musicians work in loud environments, especially during concerts and rehearsals, which can put their hearing at risk over time. To protect their ears, many musicians use in-ear monitors that let them hear the music clearly at a lower volume, reducing the need to turn up the sound. Custom-molded earplugs are also popular among musicians because they fit the ear exactly and block out harmful noise levels while still allowing them to hear important sounds on stage. These earplugs are designed to protect hearing without distorting the music. Both in-ear monitors and custom earplugs are essential tools for musicians. By using these devices, musicians can protect their hearing.

Landscapers

Landscapers frequently operate some of the loudest equipment, from mowers to leaf blowers, exposing them to intense noise levels that can gradually lead to hearing damage. Consistent use of hearing protection, like earplugs or earmuffs, is essential in these environments to protect your ears against loud noise. Even proximity to this machinery, not just direct operation, can impact hearing over time. Regular use of quality ear protection helps reduce these risks, preserving hearing health. If you are not sure about which ear protection would be right for you, schedule an appointment with an audiologist.

If you work in a noisy environment or have noticed issues with your hearing, schedule an appointment with an audiologist. They will be able to help you find the right ear protection for you.