Protect Your Hearing from the Buzz of the 2024 Cicada Hatch

May 13, 2024

As the warmth of summer approaches, so does the cacophony of buzzing cicadas. This year, however, their symphony promises to be louder than ever as two broods emerge simultaneously, creating a chorus that will be hard to ignore. From the southeastern states to the midwestern regions, the buzzing of cicadas is set to dominate outdoor spaces like never before.

Potential Risk to Auditory Health – Hearing Loss 

While the awe-inspiring spectacle of these winged creatures emerging from their underground slumber captures our attention, it’s crucial to recognize the potential risk they pose to our auditory health. Journalists and citizens armed with sound level meters or smartphone apps reported noise levels ranging from 90 – 100 decibels (dB). These levels are well above the 85 dB, which is the basis of the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for noise, leading to faulty conclusions.

Misinformation has spread, with some articles likening the sound of cicadas to a jet plane at take-off or a concert, and even suggesting that exposure to cicada buzzing could lead to noise-related hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes.

 

Protecting Your Hearing with dB Blockers®

Y Vented -

While the buzzing of cicadas can reach high levels, it’s not necessarily harmful in short bursts. What matters is prolonged exposure to loud sounds. That’s where products like dB Blockers® come into play. By wearing custom ear protection like dB Blockers®, individuals can enjoy the spectacle of the cicada hatch while safeguarding their hearing from potential damage.

One traveller shared their experience of encountering the Double Brood in Macon, Georgia, where the hum of cicadas filled the air. With a sound meter app registering around 72 dB, they highlighted the importance of protecting one’s ears in such environments. In popular culture, the sound of cicadas has been used to create atmospheric scenes in films set in the Southern United States.

Conclusion:

As the cicadas emerge and go about their brief but intense cycle of life, it’s a reminder of the delicate balance of nature and the resilience of life. While we marvel at their spectacle, let’s not forget to protect ourselves, including our hearing, so that we can continue to enjoy the sounds of summer for years to come. So, as the cicadas awaken and fill the air with their symphony, remember to get your hearing protection ready.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a curious observer, or simply someone trying to enjoy the outdoors, safeguarding your ears is key to making the most of this unique experience. And as for moving down to cicada country? Well, that’s entirely up to you. But wherever you are, let’s keep our ears safe and enjoy the buzz of nature’s symphony.

 

 

Safety and Maintenance in the Automotive Industry

March 23, 2023

Workers in the automotive industry are exposed to various hazards such as noise, chemicals, sharp objects, and heat. Wearing appropriate protective gear and protection can help prevent injuries and ensure their safety.

One example of such protection is dB Blocker hearing protection.

There are several types of noise associated with the Automotive Industry such as impulsive noise, continuous noise, intermittent noise and low-frequency noise. Long-term exposure to all of these can result in permanent damage to the human ear.

CPE’s dB Blockers allow interpersonal and radio communication to be clearly exchanged while keeping your workers protected. Protect your shop workers today.

Contact us to get your shop fitted

hearing in the Automotive Industry

#automativeindustry #noise #workinnoise #hearingsafety #protectear #safety #communication

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

 

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

 

 

 

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

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

Hearing loss on the rise among Canadian oil and gas workers: study

August 16, 2019

Richmond, British Columbia — More Canadian oil and gas workers in the drilling sector are showing signs of job-related hearing loss, according to a recent study from WorkSafeBC.

oil-gas-pipework.jpg

Researchers looked at hearing test data collected by oil and gas employers from 2012 to 2017. They found that, despite an increase in workers reporting they wear hearing protection (to 98 percent from 94 percent), the percentage of workers with noise-induced hearing loss grew to 45 from 33.

Of the 294 workers affected, 66 percent were younger than 35.

“There are a number of reasons why workers may be diagnosed with noise-induced hearing loss even though they are wearing some form of hearing protection,” Sasha Brown, an occupational audiologist at WorkSafeBC, said in an Aug. 22 press release. “The earplugs or earmuffs might be the wrong size, inserted or worn incorrectly, not worn for long enough, or they may not be providing enough protection for the duration and intensity of noise exposure.”

heairing loss oil and gas

Why choose Custom Hearing Protection

Custom Hearing Protection – means a customized hearing solution that fits the individuals ear exactly leaving little to no room for noise to get in. Just like one size fits all work boots are probably not the best choice, neither is one size fits all hearing protection. Every human ear is unique in size, shape, and depth. Therefore it makes sense that for hearing protection to be the most effective, as well as the most comfortable, it must be custom fit.  Due to the increase of hearing loss claims, more and more employers are choosing custom hearing protection over disposable ear plugs. Read More for a case study. 

WorkSafeBC offers the following recommendations to employers:

  • Ensure all at-risk workers wear sufficient hearing protection that fits, and that they understand how to properly wear it.
  • Make sure workers insert or wear the correct hearing protection before entering a noisy environment, and wear it until they exit that location.
  • Rotate workers to different positions to minimize their time in noisy environments.
  • Identify potential engineering controls to mitigate risk of exposure.
  • Ensure workers have their hearing tested and are aware of the results.

To assist employers and workers, WorkSafeBC has published a safety bulletin featuring an infographic on earplug insertion and online resources.

Each year, 22 million U.S. workers face exposure to potentially damaging occupational noise, and employers spend an estimated $242 million on hearing loss disability, according to OSHA. The agency’s requirements for hearing protection are outlined in 29 CFR 1910.95.


SOURCE
https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/17549-hearing-loss-on-the-rise-among-canadian-oil-and-gas-workers-study

Top CDN Safety Trade Shows to Attend in whats left of 2019

August 9, 2019

Bad news: with so many available, deciding which one(s) to attend can be a challenge!

Here is a sneak preview of what is Available for the rest of 2019.

Whether you’re trying to decide which show is best for your employees to attend or you’re on the flip side and are trying to convince your boss, here’s my list of the top ten safety shows to consider attending in 2019 and why:

CHES National Conference

September 22-24, 2019

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

ches conference saskatoon

For its 39th consecutive year, the Canadian Health Care Engineering Society will be hosting their Annual Conference of the Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society in Saskatoon. Known as the “hub” that enables resiliency in healthcare, this conference welcomes attendees from over 400 healthcare facilities across Canada. The CHES Conference is a fantastic place for those in the field to expand their knowledge base, network and continue their education.

CSSE

September 22-25, 2019

Winnipeg, Manitoba

csse 2019 winnipeg

The Canadian Society of Safety Engineer is one of the most important safety organizations in the country which is why it comes as no surprise that attending their annual conference is always worthwhile. Hundreds of safety professionals from across Canada, the U.S. and beyond join each fall to learn about the most current safety information, tools and practices available to ensure their workplaces are up to date and compliant.

One great thing about the CSSE show is that each year it moves to a new location across the country; a major bonus for individuals who may not have a lot of work flexibility to travel. Last year it was Niagara Falls, this year it will be in Winnipeg and in 2020 it’ll be taking place in St. John’s.

Le Grand Rendez-Vous

October 30-31, 2019

Montreal, Quebec

grand rendez-vous trade show and conference

For any of you who live in Quebec, here’s a great French Canadian safety show to keep on your radar. This robust safety conference focuses on innovations in the prevention of work accidents and occupational diseases. There is a huge list of safety pros lined up to present (you can read more about them here) at the 20+ sessions which cover the newest in health and safety. Between sessions, be sure to walk the trade show which will include nearly 200 exhibitors!

Motorcycle Riding: Protect your hearing

As the temperatures rise and the days are longer activities and outings change. These changes related to summer often mean BBQs, gatherings, Motorcycling and July 1 and 4th festivities with friends and family. And what also does occur is more noise; noise when riding, noisy music, noisy fireworks and even noisier traffic such as motorcycle riding.

Motorcycle Riding: Protect your hearing; the effort is worth it

Whether you wear a full-face helmet, a three-quarter or a shorty, earplugs are a must. Hearing damage is cumulative and permanent. It takes a little effort to find an earplug that will work for you, but it will be worth it. It’s much less cost and effort than hearing aids, I can assure you.
Wear Your Protection:

When your ears are exposed to constant wind noise, several things happen: the cilia inside your ears get tired (no, seriously) and collapse. Your brain gets tired from filtering out all that extraneous noise, and that causes unnecessary fatigue. The nerve connections between your ears and your brain can sustain damage.

All of that combined means hearing loss. If you’ve ever found your ears ringing after a stint on the highway, that means, without question, you are damaging your hearing. A 60mph wind will cause hearing damage within 15 minutes. You have 7 minutes at 75mph, and 3 minutes at 85mph with no hearing protection. Yes, if you’re not wearing earplugs you are definitely slowly going deaf.Motorcyles

Windshields and full-face helmets can damp the wind noise some, but they often just change the windflow without quieting the noise. Earplugs are a great low-cost way to protect your hearing. The frequency of wind is excellent at damaging humans’ hearing. Earplugs will filter out those frequencies but they absolutely do still allow you to hear sirens, horns, and other traffic warnings. If you find the earplugs you’ve used block too much sound, try different ones.

There are a bunch of different earplugs on the market, and they can be divided into two simple categories: disposable and reusable. Disposable earplugs are made of foam, and the general rule is, they work well three times: if you wear them all day three days in a row, or if you take them out and reinsert them three times in one day, they’re done, the foam wears out, and they don’t hold a good seal anymore. They must be inserted in a specific way into your ear, and you can see that process on the CDC website here.

Hearing Protection – Earplug Options

There are also Reusable or custom hearing protection which is a little more expensive, but they will last you about 5 years and the fit your ear exactly. Custom Protect Ear’s dB Life All Sport Earpiece and Headset is the rider who wants to listen to their digital music player or radio, All Sport™ is the ideal way to take your tunes on the road. All Sport™ is a headset that connects to your digital music player and is specially designed to work in the harsh environment bikers endure. Wind noise, bike rumble, and traffic sound compound to make listening to radio or music a challenge while riding. Learn More about the All Sport. 

Whatever option you choose – it is imperative you choose at least one. If you are unsure then we recommend you ask your friends what earplugs they use, and if you can try a pair of theirs: that’s the easiest, cheapest way to go about finding a good, comfortable pair of earplugs. If you want a longer term solution then check out Custom Protect Ears website to find a hearing solution for you and your lifestyle need.

Good luck everybody, and happy hearing!


SOURCE

https://www.rideapart.com/articles/355870/ear-plugs-protect-your-hearing/