Choosing the RIGHT hearing protection for Machinists, Steelwork & Fabrication workers

January 23, 2023

dB Blockers™  for Machinists, Steelwork & Fabrication workers

“Workers in the shipping and steelwork industries are exposed to the highest levels of occupational pollution because they work close to heavy industrial blowers that produce sounds of up to 112 dBA or higher.” Industrial noise pollution is caused by plants and factories – it can have an impact on the people working within as well as those living around these industrial buildings.

Machinists, Fabricators and maintenance people need to hear their machinery sound a certain way to ensure that it is running properly, so they don’t often wear their earplugs correctly.

Without the proper protective equipment, steel workers become prone to hearing damage which hinders their ability to detect a machine’s problems before it breaks down, resulting in costly consequences. dB Blockers provide your workers with the complete protection and audible range needed efficiently doing their job.

Learn more about how dB Blockers fit perfectly and come in with a convenient handle (The Grip) for clean, easy insertion and removal. For welders, disposable earplugs are not only inadequate but also dangerous as they melt, and even burn when hot slag hits them.dB Blocker - The Grip

 

Read More:

Interested in learning about Innovation hearing solutions, contact us today!  


#industrialnoise #hearingprotectors #noiseawareness #customprotectear #hearingsolutions #industrialhearingtrends #protectear #steelworkers #fabricators #machinests

Noise Levels and Exposure – Noise Reduction Rating

March 16, 2022

Noise Levels and Exposure

Noise reduction headphones are rated in decibels (dB). Before discussing the noise reduction rated values it is important to understand how noise is measured and how to identify, based on those measurements, when hearing protection is required. Noise is measured in units of sound pressure levels called decibels (dB). Typically, an “A” weighted filter is applied to the measurement, dB(A), because it provides measurements that more accurately represent the sensitivity of the human auditory system by de-emphasizing sound energy in the low and high frequencies in comparison to energy in the mid-frequency range.

high noise

What is NRR NOISE REDUCTION RATING (NRR)

A Noise Reduction Rating, also sometimes referred to under the umbrella term of “hearing protection rating,” can be a confusing concept for individuals who are just starting out in the world of hearing protection terminology. To keep it simple, Noise Reduction Ratings are a set of “rules” that are set in place to serve as an absolute point of reference for those who are serious about protecting worker hearing. The NRR essentially functions as a “ruler” that measures how well a particular piece of hearing protection or equipment may work in real-time and space.

Why NRR matters NOISE REDUCTION RATING (NRR)

When it comes to assessing the effectiveness of hearing protection, Specialists often look at the Attenuation Estimation Systems. NRR is a common method (rating) used to determine the attenuation (expressing values of noise reduction or attenuation provided by different types of hearing protectors). The values range from 0 to approximately 30, with higher values indicating greater amounts of noise reduction.

Since the NRR is based on laboratory testing, it does not consider the loss of protection that occurs when hearing protectors are not fit properly or when they are not worn for the entire time that the wearer is exposed to noise.

Learn More about NRR: https://www.protectear.com/field_attenuation_estimation_systems.


#CPE #Customprotectear #hearing #hearingprogram #nrr #noisereductionrating #attenuation #hearinnoise

 

Happy Labour Day!

September 3, 2020

From all of us at Custom Protect Ear, we wish you a Safe and Happy Labour Day weekend.

PLUS – do not forget – wear all the necessary Personal Protective Equipment, especially your hearing protectors.

“Each person in the workplace is but a cog in the machinery, but the machinery won’t work with a missing cog. You are valuable. We salute you on Labour Day”

Thank you!
The CPE Team.

How to Clean your Custom dB Blocker Hearing Protection

March 20, 2020

Custom Protect Ear wanted to send you a reminder that your dB Blockers are washable, here is how.

How to Clean your Custom dB Blocker Hearing Protection

dB Blockers hearing protectors are washable!

Your protectors can be washed in warm water and mild soap. You may wish to lubricate them again after washing (a couple of times) to regain the comfort for insertion.

Take care to avoid getting water in the vent if possible, but should this occur, gently blow through to clear water out.

 

Believe it or not – the longer you avoid washing, the better the natural lubrication from the oils in your skin. Also, your natural cerumen (ear wax) acts as an antibiotic and although many of us were taught that when ear wax is present, it is a sign of not cleaning our ears. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is your body’s natural defence. Cerumen or earwax is healthy in normal amounts and serves as a self-cleaning agent with protective, lubricating, and antibacterial properties.

However, given the current concern of potential illness transference, we wanted to educate on how to wash and sanitize your dB Blockers.  After washing your ear pieces, you may wish to further sanitize with alcohol.

Once washing/sanitizing is complete, you may wish to re-lubricate your dB Blockers using mineral oil or Vaseline.

 Below we have included step by step instructions as found in your dB Blocker pouch.

Step-By-Step Instructions – Diagram & Video

Follow the step-by-step diagrams for a comfortable, secure fit. You may need to alternate between your new custom dB Blockers and your old ear plugs during this limited period until the fit is comfortable.

Fit-right-instruction

 


Please pass this information on to anyone in possession of dB Blockers™, dB Com™ and dB Life™ products. Thank you

 

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 

March 5, 2020

MARCH 8, 2020 IS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

#becauseofyou

Empowering women and girls to equally participate in economic, social and political life benefits people of all genders. It increases economic prosperity, promotes peace and security, upholds fairness and justice in our society, and ultimately creates happier and healthier communities.

Join us in celebrating this year’s theme #BecauseOfYou, which pays tribute to the diverse and inspirational gender equality change-makers we know in our own lives.

This International Women’s Day:

  • Tell us about your family members, colleagues, friends, mentors and community leaders who are helping advance gender equality using the hashtag #BecauseOfYou
  • Start a conversation with our social media shareables on your networks and channels using the hashtag #BecauseOfYou
  • Follow us on Twitter or Instagram
  • Take part in an International Women’s Day event in your community
  • Learn more about the challenges facing women around the world
  • Donate your time to a local, national or international organization that supports women and gender equality
  • Talk with men and boys about their role as advocates and allies for gender equality
  • Send a postcard to a trailblazer who inspires you

This International Women’s Day is about shining a light on grassroots efforts to advance gender equality in communities across the country and honouring Canadians who are finding powerful ways, both big and small, to drive positive change right at the source.

Custom Protect Ear and Protect Ear USA celebrate the women that are our partners, employees, vendors and colleagues. Our company is comprised of women from all different walks of life, and we appreciate their contribution to both the company and the community.

Please take a moment over the next few days to cherish and embrace the women that have helped, influenced, or mentored you in any way shape or form!  #BecauseOfYou

Saskatchewan Industrial Safety Seminar

February 3, 2020

February 3 – 5, 2020
The World Trade Centre at Prairieland Park
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Safety Council is now planning for our 47th Annual Industrial Safety Seminar which takes place February 3 – 5, 2020. The last three years we averaged 750 registered delegates per year and we are expecting similar attendance for our event in 2019. Our trade show has a long history of being sold out of display space early. As a benefit for your past support we allow previous displayers a chance to secure display space prior to registering new exhibitors. If you would like to be a part of the 2019 Industrial Safety Seminar, we encourage you to register early!

WHO ATTENDS THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SEMINAR?
The Industrial Safety Seminar, although aimed primarily at business and industry, is open to anyone interested in safety. Average attendance in the past 3 years was over 750 delegates per year representing Safety Managers and Professionals, Occupational Health and Safety Committee Members, Supervisors and interested small businesses and individuals. Delegates represent a large cross section of Saskatchewan industries including mining, utilities, oil & gas and construction, Provincial and Federal regulatory agencies, crown corporations and private companies.

The Industrial Safety Seminar is an excellent opportunity for new or experienced safety practitioners to attend professional development sessions with experts on a variety of current safety related topics. It is also an opportunity for all those interested in safety to network with like-minded people while expanding their safety knowledge.

The event will be held at World Trade Center Saskatoon at Prairieland Park, Saskatoon, SK. on February 3, 4, and 5, 2020. Note: ​The Tradeshow is open February 3 and 4.

February 3 - 5, 2020 The World Trade Centre at Prairieland Park Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

If you’re in the vicinity – come by and see us (Custom Protect Ear) at the show. Let us show you our latest innovative hearing protection from the family of dB Blockers™.

Seasons Greetings!

December 23, 2019

 

From all of us at Custom Protect Ear…

We want at to wish you a Happy Holidays and prosperous New Year.

Thank you for making this year so great. May you and your family have a very merry holiday season and happy New Year.


PLEASE NOTE:
The Custom Protect Ear Office and Lab will be closed
December 23, 2019 and reopen (regular hours) Thursday January 2, 2020.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

December 4, 2019

A health and safety committee, comprised of worker and management representatives who meet regularly, brings the internal responsibility system into practice. This system recognizes that the employer and workers have a shared responsibility for workplace health and safety, with the employer having the final authority and responsibility. In most Canadian jurisdictions a health and safety committee is required by law.

This infographic outlines requirements and good practices for an effective health and safety committee, from defining roles and responsibilities to providing training and resources to recognizing and addressing workplace hazards.

Share the CCOHS Infographic

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 24, 2019

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

With the help of supporters like you, we’ve made incredible progress over the years.

In the last 20 years more than $360 million has been invested in breast cancer research by the Canadian Cancer Society and the former Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation combined, funding more than 1,000 research projects. The breast cancer death rate has dropped by 44% since the late 1980s.

The current 5-year survival rate is now 87%, due in large part to research advancements that have improved early detection, diagnosis and treatment.

But there’s still more work to do. Breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among Canadian women.

1 in 8 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

An estimated 26,300 Canadian women and 230 men will be diagnosed this year. That’s 72 women every day.

Let’s work together to create a world where no Canadian fears breast cancer.

Early detection + better therapies = 44% decrease in the breast cancer death rate since 19881 in 8 Canadian women will develop breast cancer

What we’re doing to help defeat breast cancer

Research

Thanks to the support of donors like you, CCS is the largest charitable funder of breast cancer research in Canada. This year so far, we have invested $12 million in breast cancer research in hospitals and research institutes across Canada. Over the last 10 years, we have invested close to $51 million in metastatic breast cancer research.

Information

Breast cancer can be confusing and overwhelming. Whether you’re worried about your risk, coping with a new diagnosis, living with metastatic breast cancer or supporting a loved one, we are here to help. Our services and programs offer vital support and information by phone, in person and online to all those affected by breast cancer, including family and friends. The Canadian Cancer Society can help you make sense of breast cancer with clear and current information you can trust.

Our website offers detailed information on breast cancer risks, screening, diagnosis, treatment, coping and more.

Our online tool can help you decide if breast cancer screening is right for you.

Publications on topics related to breast cancer are also free to order or download.

Our community services locator can help you find the services you need, such as support groups, wigs and breast prostheses.

Cancer information specialists are available by phone or email for anyone needing help to find information and support.

Support

Peer support groups offer valuable face-to-face connection, shared coping strategies and lived experience for people with breast cancer. To find a group near you, contact our Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca and use our Our community services locator

If you prefer to speak with someone over the phone, we also offer a free and confidential telephone-based service for adults 18 years and older who have been diagnosed with cancer or are caring for someone with cancer. You’ll have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with a trained volunteer who has had a similar cancer experience. Volunteers listen, offer encouragement and share ideas for coping.

Our online community, CancerConnection, helps people with cancer and their loved ones share their experiences and build supportive relationships. Visit CancerConnection.ca to learn more.

BRA Day

BRA Day (Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day) is a free, annual event that connects breast cancer survivors and women at high risk of developing breast cancer with leading breast reconstruction surgeons to answer all your questions. There are 25 events across Canada in 2017.

To register for an event or learn more about your breast reconstruction options, visit bra-day.com

Transportation

Since the mid 1950s, we have provided volunteer driver transportation assistance for people with cancer. Volunteer drivers provide return trips for patients from their home to treatment centres. They offer friendly support and kindness at a time when patients need it most.

If you need transportation to treatment, call 1-800-263-6750 or contact your local Canadian Cancer Society office.

Wig rooms

Our wig rooms help ensure people with cancer in communities across Canada have access to free wigs as well as a welcoming and supportive environment to try them on.

Donate now

5-year breast cancer survival rate in Canada – in the 1980s 73% and today (2006-2008) 87%

https://www.cancer.ca/en/about-us/news/national/2017/breast-cancer-awareness-month/?region=on


SOURCE

How to defend against noise-induced hearing loss

September 30, 2019

About a quarter of Canada’s Albertans have some degree of hearing loss, according to Deaf and Hearing Alberta, with exposure to excessive noise as the number one factor.

“Alberta is such a hard-working industrial province,” says Kari Weisgerber, director and CEO of the Hear In Edmonton hearing clinics. “People who work in the trades are really susceptible to noise-induced hearing loss.”

But damaging your hearing with noise is not limited to tradespeople. Anyone who goes to loud concerts, noisy restaurants or uses headphones is also at risk.

Prevention is a powerful tool in all areas of medicine, but according to Kari it’s particularly important when it comes to noise-induced hearing loss, which occurs when loud sounds cause wear and tear on the tiny hair cells in the inner ear that transmit sound to the brain.

Industrial worker

 

Here are a few of Kari’s suggestions tips for protecting your hearing.

1. Know that damage can occur in almost no time flat

Many people, Kari says, feel that loud noises won’t damage their hearing if they limit exposure. “Someone might use a loud lawnmower without earplugs on the basis that the job will only take a few minutes. But loud noises can permanently hurt your hearing in almost no time,” she says.

For instance, you can spend about 15 minutes in noise of 100 decibels before incurring permanent hearing damage. But that safe window gets cut in half for every three-decibel increase. By the time you crank the volume to 140 decibels—the volume of many live concerts—the safe exposure window is about half a second.

2. Recognize signs of damage early, hearing loss

Noise-induced hearing loss is cumulative over a person’s life, says Kari. Damage incurred in one’s teens or 20s can get worse as people age. That’s why it’s important to take precautions early in life and to monitor closely for damage.

Ringing in the ears is a clear sign of hearing damage, while noises sounding loud but not clear is another.

For those who work in loud environments, including most tradespeople, Kari advises annual hearing tests.

3. Use hearing protection and consider custom-made earplugs to prevent hearing loss.

Most people who are regularly exposed to loud noises use earplugs. Something is better than nothing, but Kari cautions that lots of off-the-shelf hearing protection can be hard to use properly. The ubiquitous neon foam plugs, for instance, need to be deeply embedded in the ear to do their job. If the plug is visible sticking out of your ear, it’s not in deep enough.

If you’d like to avoid the uncertainty and inconvenience of using off-the-shelf hearing protection, consider having a pair of custom earplugs made. A pair runs around $160 and can provide top-notch hearing protection for years.

That might seem costly, but it’s much less than years of hearing aides—not to mention it preserves your ability to connect with loved ones, enjoy music, stay safe in traffic, and much else besides, says Kari.

Plus the fitting appointments are quick and painless, and providers like the Hear In Edmonton clinics offer guaranteed fit. Kari and her team will have your plugs re-made for free if they don’t fit perfectly.

Some custom plugs are even modular, so you can pop in different noise-blocking mechanisms depending on what you’re doing. Kari has customers who love live music and use different “screens” in their plugs depending on the concert venue they’re attending. Learn More about Custom Hearing products.

4. If you use earbud headphones, beware of volume creep causing hearing loss

Mass-produced earbud headphones don’t provide enough noise protection, says Kari. The improper seal between bud and eardrum means outside sounds leak in unless you’re using the earbuds in perfect silence. The tempting solution to this is just to bump up the volume to make sure the music comes through. This is a very easy way to damage your hearing, says Kari.

There are two solutions. The first is to make peace with an imperfect listening experience while using your buds and keep the volume low, even in an area with loud ambient noise.

The second is to have custom earbuds made for your ears. They block outside noise much better, so they also make music sound better. Plus they’re modular, so you can use them with any number of sets of headphones.

To Learn More about hearing loss prevention and protection check out our resource section. 


SOURCE: https://edmontonjournal.com/sponsored/health-sponsored/how-to-defend-against-noise-induced-hearing-loss