Definitive Guide to Hearing Health

March 21, 2019

Article by Amy Andrews, Earpiece Online.

We all understand how important our ears and hearing are to our everyday life, particularly for people that use radio earpieces. But have you ever thought about how you can keep your ears healthy?

As the old saying goes, ‘you should never put anything smaller than your elbow into your ear’. It sounds reasonable until you consider the size of cotton buds, biros, earphones and pinkie fingers. If you think about it, there are a lot of things we put into our ears – and all of them, by default, are smaller than our elbows. …But those things are all safe, right? I mean, how much damage could the corner of a towel really do?

Well, as it turns out, quite a lot.

In fact, most earwax blockages result from the improper use of a simple cotton bud. That got your attention, didn’t it? Cotton buds are not actually designed to go inside your ear canal (or anybody else’s for that matter – this isn’t limited just to you). Often, shoving a cotton bud into your ear simply compacts the wax that’s already in there. Making a kind of, I don’t know, SUPER WAX, which then needs to be removed by professionals.

So, if you are, shall we say, ‘delving too deeply into the unknown’, the wax you are trying to get OUT of your ears can slide even further INTO your ears. Pushing against the tide of migrating cells, where it all compacts and accumulates like, um, a great big ball of ear wax (I didn’t have a good simile there. Sorry). Anyway, that’s how regular use of cotton buds and other ear-bound items can have a fairly bad effect on the health of your ears

Even going as far as to affect the quality of your hearing. So you see, there is a lot of truth to that old saying about elbows and ears!

K, so your inner ear is itchy, getting out and that paperclip on your desk seems as good a tool as any. Perhaps it would be OK to give it a quick scratch? Just for a few seconds of blessed relief? No. No it wouldn’t. In fact, your ear won’t get nearly as itchy if you follow these simple tips…

Leave it Alone! The ear is actually self-cleaning, so if earwax isn’t the problem, you’re actually better off leaving it alone. Interrupting the process only makes things worse, hence all the itchy. Earwax (or cerumen) is a normal part of the ear’s function. It helps to protect and lubricate your ears. It even has antibacterial properties. Without the mighty wax-wizard Cerumen, your ears would be itchy, dry and uncomfortable all the time.
Of course, we all need to ‘clear the neighborhood’ on occasion. The safest way to do this is by taking a damp cloth and gently cleaning the outer areas of your ears. Cotton balls are also good here, provided you don’t insert them into your ear canal.
Earwax softener is widely available and can make the process of cleaning your ears considerably easier.
Talk to your doctor about removing any waxy build-ups during your exam/check-up/social event that you’re both attending (My doctor never had any problems with it. Sadly, I was told that he unexpectedly moved to Peru right after I asked him about earwax at his Niece’s Bat Mitzvah. Shame that).
No Sharp Objects! – Never use sharp or pointed objects in your ears. Also, avoid ear candles (while we’re at it, never try to make your own candles from ear wax – they smell funny).
You might also want to irrigate your ears with a syringe. This process involves gently rinsing out your ears with saline solution. For best results, use a wax softener about 15 – 30 minutes beforehand.

It may seem obvious, but the level of care and attention you give to your ears directly affects the quality of your hearing. So, it is definitely worth looking after your ears.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE:

5 safety and hygiene practices to double-check in 2019

February 12, 2019

Now is the time for occupational safety professionals to check that the safety and hygiene practices in place at their workplaces are compliant with regulatory bodies — like OSHA — and will safeguard workers’ wellbeing.

Data collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that workplace accidents show a prolonged downward trend, but that’s no reason to get complacent.

Here are five things safety managers should verify in 2019

1. Equipment and behaviors to minimize falls

Falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries. On January 17, 2017, OSHA enacted new rules regarding workplace surfaces and reducing falls as well as ways to prevent falls that happen when workers perform tasks at dangerous heights. One of those recent stipulations involves letting employers choose their fall protection systems by selecting from approved options.

Plus, occupational safety personnel should remind workers to exercise caution on slick and wet surfaces, use signs to warn others of hazardous surfaces and employ handrails or floor mats to further reduce risks.

2. A process for ill workers — especially those handling food

When people come to work sick, they could make their colleagues and members of the public ill too. That risk is particularly apparent among food service workers. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that 20 percent of workers completed at least one shift while experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. They could pass their illnesses on to people they interact with on a given day as well as the individuals who eat the foods they serve.

One of the best ways to discourage people from showing up sick is to create a procedure for them to follow for notifying supervisors of their illnesses so that those managers can find coverage when necessary. The Food and Drug Administration’s Food Code stipulates that ill food service employees with certain symptoms must notify management.

3. Reasonable access to restrooms

Amazon recently came under fire after allegations that its employees urinated in bottles to boost their chances of meeting performance targets and not having to go to the faraway restrooms. Of course, Amazon denied that claim, asserting that all of its employees could easily access facility restrooms.

Regardless of the legitimacy of the claim, the situation is a reminder that all companies must provide appropriate restroom access. For example, it’s unlawful to make assembly line workers delay using the bathroom to keep productivity and safety levels high. As an alternative, the employees could tell line overseers that they need bathroom breaks.

It’s also crucial that there are enough restrooms to serve the number of employees at an organization. Otherwise, their level of access may be considered unreasonable due to lengthy wait times.

4. Hearing Protection supplied to appropriate employees

Millions of people who work in jobs associated with exposure to noise that may impair a persons hearing. Proper hearing protection will prevent workers from getting long term hearing loss. Hearing Protection can consist of disposable hearing plugs, ear muffs and or custom (molded) hearing protection similar to CPE’s dB Blockers™. dB Blockers™ offer superior hearing protection while enabling workers to communicate clearly with each other. Learn More

5. Awareness and education for seasonal dangers

Seasonal dangers also exist that could pose safety risks. Fortunately, OSHA regularly issues updates to provide the necessary guidance, just as the organization did during hurricane season to give recommendations for blue roofs, or the practice of installing blue tarps over the affected areas of buildings with damaged roofs.

If workers have to endure extreme temperatures, employee safety means considering how to keep workers protected from the elements, such as by requiring them to wear clothes to protect them from frostbite during the winter or staying adequately hydrated during intensely hot days.

Fatigue can also be a workplace danger, especially during the busiest seasons of a year. A stockroom employee might work overtime at a retail facility during the holiday season and find that tiredness increases their risk of accidents.

Statistics from a National Safety Council survey found that 90 percent of employers recognize that fatigue impacts their organizations. Most workers feel tired at work, but less than three-quarters of them see fatigue as a safety risk. Fatigue is not only a risk during busy periods, of course, but organizations must be exceptionally aware of it during such times.

Check practices at least annually

It’s a good idea for organizations to assess the recommendations outlined here at least every year, making improvements as needed.

Original Article: https://www.ishn.com/articles/109896-safety-and-hygiene-practices-to-double-check-before-2019

Tips for protecting your hearing during the festivities.

December 14, 2018

Its that time of the year again.

As a Hearing Conservation company we wanted to provide you with a few tips for protecting your hearing during the festivities:

Try to reduce as much background noise as possible. If you are having a conversation with a small group of people in a larger party, try to break off into a smaller section of the room that may not be as loud. Choose the calmest section of a restaurant or party to socialize in.
Sit in the center of the dinner table so you are close to people all around you. If you sit at the end of a long table, your chances of hearing the folks at the end of the table are minimal.
Try to keep good lighting to facilitate your ability to rely on facial cues to help fill in the blanks when you mishear something. We all lipread a bit.
If the music is too loud at a party – as it often is – don’t hesitate to ask for the volume to reduced slightly or pull out your reliable dB Blockers to block some of that unwanted noise.

You shouldn’t have to think about hearing over the holidays, however, if you find yourself constantly working hard to hear, or relying heavily on the tips above, it is time to have a hearing test. Contact us and we can help you protect your ears!

Holiday Season Hours:

CLOSED

Friday, December 21, 2018 -10:30 am – Tuesday, January 1, 2019
will reopen under regular hours Wednesday, January 2, 2019

OPENED (HOLIDAY HOURS)

Thursday, December 27^th, & Friday, December 28^th, 2018 – 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (PST)

Inquiries may be made at hear@protectear.com

From all of us at Custom Protect Ear –

Happy Holidays!

Essential items in an engineer’s toolbox

September 11, 2018

Essential items in an engineer’s toolbox

Every mechanical engineer will need a trusty set of tools with them at all times to be able to complete even the most basic of tasks. Without the right tools, it is impossible to determine the problem in most cases, let alone fix it. Herein we explore the engineering tools that an engineer should never be without:

Personal protective equipment (Hearing and Eye Protection)

First and foremost every engineer should always have some personal protective equipment available for them to use in whatever situation they find themselves in. An engineer will not be allowed onto a site without a high-vis jacket and they may also need to have a hard hat and steel toe capped boots too. Engineers should also always have goggles and ear plugs with them to protect their eyes and ears while they are working. In the Industrial sectors, hearing protection is often overlooked as fundamental crucial protective equipment.

“Occupational hearing loss is one of the most common work-related illnesses in the United States. Each year, about 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work. Over 30 million U.S. workers are exposed to chemicals, some of which are harmful to the ear (ototoxic) and hazardous to hearing. In addition to damaging workers’ quality of life, occupational hearing loss carries a high economic price to society.”

Learn more about personal hearing protection.

Socket wrench

A socket wrench with a full set of sockets is essential in getting access to most jobs that will face a mechanical engineer so they should always ensure they are carrying these essential engineering tools. Carrying a small tin of oil can also be invaluable in releasing bolts that have been left sealed in the weather for a long period of time and make the difference between success and failure.

Security keys

Also important for access is having a set of security key bits to fit into a screwdriver. With a full range of screwdriver heads and security keys, an engineer should be able to get into whatever they need to identify the problem. Without the keys, however, access will often be impossible and another call out will be required.

Multimeter

A multimeter is very useful in helping you to identify electrical problems by testing different sections of wiring to see which are blocking the current. With a multimeter, a mechanical engineer can usually identify which bit of a system has broken to ensure the correct replacement parts are ordered.

Abrasives

Having a range of abrasive papers to hand will be very helpful for the mechanical engineer because it enables you to smooth and tweak fittings and fixtures. When making adjustments or replacing parts, burrs or protrusions can block movement, but having these lightweight abrasives to hand means that you can get rid of them to make it functional and safe.

Measuring devices

Measuring devices are also essential engineering tools because they allow the engineer to ensure accuracy first time. A tape measure, steel rule, and caliper set will allow the engineer to measure everything accurately so that they can replace the required part correctly the first time.

Assorted fittings

Carrying an assortment of fittings can also make the difference between being able to tackle a job first time around and having to return again to complete the job. The assorted fittings should include a range of common nuts, bolts, screws, washers and seals that are common in the industry the engineer is working in. It is important, however, to always ensure the materials are up to standard for the job and any seals meet the regulations before you fit them in place.

Stanley knife

Every engineer should also carry a sharp Stanley knife to help them to cut through anything they need to. A sharp knife can help in everything from releasing packaging to cutting materials for the repair and should always be carried in the toolbox.

An engineer should never be without these engineering tools that can get them access to the area they need to fix and give them the best chance of fixing it there and then. Without these tools, the engineer will be far more likely to have to return to finish the job and will find it harder to diagnose the problem too.

Although many of these items are significant when you least expect it – it is most important that Engineers has sufficient personal protective equipment before they start their work. Without proper hearing protection, eyewear protection and hand protection engineers are exposing themselves to long-term health issues that can equate to another CDC statistic; so protect yourself!

Hearing Protection You Can Hear Through: Communication

July 12, 2018

Good communication is critical in every workplace.

But communicating can be challenging at a noisy job sites, where it’s necessary to protect workers’ hearing. Disposable hearing protectors, when properly inserted, block much of the sound, rendering users functionally deaf. To converse, In order to have a conversation, the earplugs must first be removed. This leaves the workers exposed to harmful noise levels, which can damage their hearing.

Our Solution: dB Com™

At Custom Protect Ear, we address this problem. That’s why we developed our super-comfortable dB Blockers, re-usable, personalized custom-fit earplugs which protect AND connect, through our proprietary “frequency tuned”, or “FT” filters.

Developed specifically for noisy industrial sites that demand frequent communication, these FT filters block background noise while letting speech frequencies pass through, amplifying the speaker’s voice by 3 decibels. The users actually hear speech better with dB Blockers in, then by taking them out.

Safety, compliance, and productivity go up while the risk of miscommunication falls.

dB Blockers can also be connected to numerous communication devices, including two-way radios, Bluetooth cell phones, and portable audio components. This further reduces the need to remove dB Blockers, so employees can hear…be heard…and stay protected for their entire shift. In conclusion, only dB Blockers allow you to communicate while leaving protection in your ears.

“PROTECTION YOU CAN HEAR THROUGH”

Watch Video on YouTube

Workers exposed to loud noise on the job are at increased risk for hypertension and high cholesterol – key risk factors for heart disease – according to a recent study from NIOSH

May 22, 2018

Cincinnati — Workers exposed to loud noise on the job are at increased risk for hypertension and high cholesterol – key risk factors for heart disease – according to a recent study from NIOSH.

Using 2014 National Health Interview Survey data of nearly 23,000 workers, researchers estimated the prevalence of occupational noise exposure, hearing difficulty and heart conditions within U.S. industries and occupations. They also looked at the association between workplace noise exposure and heart disease.

The researchers found a link between a history of noise exposure at work and a significantly elevated risk of both high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol. Other findings:

The industries with the highest prevalence of occupational noise exposure were mining (61 percent), construction (51 percent) and manufacturing (47 percent).
Occupations with the highest prevalence of occupational noise exposure were production (55 percent); construction and extraction (54 percent); and installation, maintenance and repair (54 percent).
Occupational noise exposure contributed to 58 percent of hearing difficulty cases, 14 percent of hypertension cases and 9 percent of elevated cholesterol cases.

“This study provides further evidence of an association of occupational noise exposure with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and the potential to prevent these conditions if noise is reduced,” Elizabeth Masterson, study lead author and NIOSH epidemiologist, said in a March 21 press release. “It is important that workers be screened regularly for these conditions in the workplace or through a health care provider so interventions can occur. As these conditions are more common among noise-exposed workers, they could especially benefit from these screenings.”

The study was published online March 14 in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine.

SOURCE:

http://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/16946-study-links-on-the-job-noise-exposure-to-high-blood-pressure-cholesterol

A prosperous 2018 and Peace on Earth!

December 20, 2017

To all our Fellow Customers, Partners, Suppliers and Colleagues,

A celebration of the holiday season is a gratitude for the gift of life. Here’s wishing you the warmest sentiments and best wishes of this season.

As President of Custom Protect Ear, my only request this year is, for all of us to work towards goodwill to our fellow man and PEACE ON EARTH! I personally wish you and your families a wonderful Holiday Season and a healthy and prosperous 2018.

Warm Regards,

Howard Raphael | President

HOLIDAY HOURS

Friday, December 22nd – Tuesday, December 26th – Closed
December 27th, December 28th & December 29th – 9am to 4pm (PST)
Monday, January 1st – Closed
Tuesday, January 2nd – Normal Hours

Hurricane Harvey & Irma

September 7, 2017

Hurricane Harvey – How you can help!

Residents of Rockport, Texas survey damage from Hurricane Harvey.

Tens of thousands of traumatized evacuees, many with nothing but the clothes on their backs, face uncertain futures in Harvey’s aftermath. Aid groups are working tirelessly to provide shelter, emergency services, and hope.

Help the Hurricane Harvey Victims

Donate blood: The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center desperately needs more than 2,000 units of blood. The biggest need is for O positive and O negative. A list of locations to donate blood can be found here.

Civilians and strangers become heroes for Harvey victims

Donate food and clothing:

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is asking people to donate clothing, medical supplies, baby items, and food to nearby shelters. Feeding Texas is coordinating with local food banks to distribute food and cleaning supplies. The organization is asking people to drop off non-perishable food, bleach, and paper towels. The Texas Diaper Bank is seeking diaper donations.

You can mail them to:
5415 Bandera Road, Suite 504, San Antonio, Texas 78238 or drop them off at the same address.

Help with clean up:
Austin Disaster Relief Network is asking for toiletries, inflatable mattresses, undergarments, and cleaning tools. They can be dropped off at the Hope Family Thrift Store in Austin. Volunteers can also sign up for cleaning efforts there. The Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group needs construction cleanup supplies — debris containers, truck cranes, forklifts, ladders, and nail guns.

Donate toys and supplies:
Mayor Turner said many children inside the shelters need “things to do” and is asking people to donate coloring books, puzzles, and other toys to the shelters.

……….

To all those so adversely affected by the wraths of Hurricane Harvey and Irma, our thoughts and prayers are with you – ProtectEar USA

Are your Hearing Protection Devices (HPD’s) Sustainable?

May 23, 2017

Think of the environment when selecting your hearing protection device

It is not disputed that earplugs protect the wearer from the noise exposure in an industrial, musical, sports and motorsport setting. The single-use disposable earplug remains the most common type of hearing protection in use today. In fact, disposable hearing protection is still commonly used in workplaces despite them being commercially introduced as the first foam disposable earplugs over 40 years ago.

Single-use disposable ear plugs remain popular because they’re perceived to be inexpensive -although they are not. Disposables are not cheap when compared to use over the expected lifetime of a custom moulded earplug.

Disposables vs Earplugs – Cost Scenario 1

Allowing for 2 breaks and lunch, the user of disposable earplugs will use 4 pair per day. (Disposable hearing protection should never be reinserted once removed). When allowing for bulk buying, generally earplugs can be purchased for about 15¢ per pair.

REAL COST BREAKDOWN

Use of 4 pair of earplugs per day for 5 days per week for 50 weeks per year brings the cost to $150.00 per employee. A pair of custom-moulded earplugs costing $150 with an expected use life of five years, amortizes to $35.00 per year

4 disposable earplugs/day X 15¢/pair for 50 weeks/year = $150.00 per employee/year
1 pair of custom earplugs is generally less than $150.00 for the expected 5 year life of the earplugs (the cartilage in our ears continues to change throughout our lifetime and subtle changes can affect the seal of the protectors over time, therefore it is recommended that new moulds be taken minimally every 5 years).
Disposable earplugs @ $150.00/year for 5 years = DO THE MATH! ($750.00 per 1 employee vs $150.00 for custom earplugs per employee every 5 years)

Ear Plugs contribute to waste production and landfill

Along with the REAL COST, the other unfortunate and negative aspects of single-use earplugs are – they contribute to waste production and landfill.

It is no secret that there is a shortage of landfills across North America; plus many companies including Custom Protect Ear (CPE), are trying to reduce their carbon footprint by adopting sustainable practices and producing ecofriendly products to eliminate waste. Our company, CPE, is committed to becoming more sustainable by working to eliminate or offset any adverse effects our business may have on the planet.

Some of the programs we initiated are:

Reducing energy consumption and by purchasing strictly green power: generated from renewable resources.
Reducing landfill waste by making hearing protectors with a 5 year life span and by reusing, recycling or reclaiming waste materials whenever we can.
Making all marketing materials available in digital formats that can be supplied over the internet; and when printed, only on post-consumer papers with environmentally sensitive inks.
Refining our production processes to engineer out any adverse effects on the environment.

Ear Plug Environmental Scenario

Consider a typical industrial workplace in the US

The company has 200 workers within a mandatory hearing protection zone and each employee has access to disposable earplugs. Each employee works 250 days per year. Each worker wears one disposable pair of earplugs for the morning shift and a new pair after lunch; so let’s factor 2 pairs of disposables per work day. (*We use 2 as an average, however, the numbers of disposable plugs may vary by worker in a day)

If you do the math at a 100% conformance, that is a staggering 100,000 pairs of used earplugs that are being sent to the landfill by this one company each year. Within 5 years, the company will send one million single non-biodegradable earplugs to the landfill; a problem that is further compounded when you also consider that most earplugs are packaged in a box or provided in additional individual plastic wrappers.

The earplug itself is unlikely to be biodegradable and the actual amount of landfill created by one employee wearing two pairs a day during their employment is staggering; times this by the number of employees and the number of businesses within the US and the financial cost increases and the environmental impact becomes apparent.

Solution: Custom Moulded Hearing Protection

Fortunately, there is a solution that reduces waste, saves money and retains the required level of protection. The solution is dB Blockers™. dB Blockers™ are a custom moulded hearing protector that is manufactured by Custom Protect Ear.

dB Blockers™ are hearing protection products made to fit the individual’s ear exactly, providing the worker with a custom hearing protector (earplug) that can be worn all day long, while receiving “REAL WORLD” (what the wearer actually receives) attenuation.

dB Blockers™ vs. Disposable Plugs

dB Blockers™ are fit to each employee’s ear exactly – eliminating ear pressure and discomfort
Enhanced communication in noise on the phone or in conversation
Allows the employee to hear warning sounds
Manufactured with SkinSoft™ hypoallergenic, non-flammable silicone

Learn more about dB Blockers™

So, before you run out to buy those disposables or log in to your safety supplier or Amazon account, think again. It’s not just about the immediate need; it’s about making a decision that impacts the environment. Do you know how much it is actually costing your company? Learn more>

SOURCES:

https://www.audiologyinnovations.ca/custom-earplugs/the-benefits-of-custom-moulded-earplugs/

http://www.soundguard.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/The-toxic-truth-about-disposable-earplugs.pdf

Holidays and Hearing Loss: How to enjoy the sounds of the season

December 22, 2016

Holidays and Hearing Loss: How to enjoy the sounds of the season

For many people with hearing loss, the holidays can be especially challenging. While large family gatherings offer a great chance to catch up with friends and family, holiday parties can lead to challenging listening situations for people with hearing loss.

Here are some tips for people with hearing loss to better enjoy holiday gatherings.

Holidays and hearing loss: The tips

Find a quiet corner – Stand away from loudspeakers and noisy kitchens and position yourself in the quietest area of the room. This way you can hear conversation rather than noise.
Pick your seat – If you’re having a sit-down dinner, pick a seat at the center of the table nearest to a close friend or relative. This way you have a better chance of hearing conversation and enjoying your meal.
Pick your drink – A glass of wine can make you more relaxed – or it can confuse you and make your level of understanding worse. Be aware of what you are drinking and your own level of tolerance.
Buddy up – Find a friend or relative with whom you can hang out at the party. This person can help you to feel more included in conversation and can repeat things you may not understand.

Have the “hearing loss” conversation

Holiday gatherings are a good time to have “the conversation” with friends and loved ones. We’re talking about the conversation about hearing loss and getting hearing aids. If you think your loved one is unable to hear correctly, take out your phone or tablet and encourage them to take an online hearing test. This is a great first step to help someone realize he has a hearing loss.

Help guests with hearing loss

You might not have hearing loss – but one of your guests might. Here are some tips on helping your guests with hearing loss enjoy your party”

Background music – Everyone loves a good Christmas carol, but when those carols are in the background of the conversations of 20+ people, no one can hear them anyways. Consider turning down the background music – or turning it off completely when several guests are socializing at once. People tend to speak louder to be heard over the music, so your music may in fact make the party louder.
Dish Duty – Hold off on cleaning the dishes until after your guests have left. For people with hearing loss, the clatter of kitchen dishes can distract from dinnertime conversation. Take time to enjoy your guests rather than worrying about the clean-up!
Seating – If you know that one of your guests has a hearing loss, seat that person at the center of the table closest to those with the quietest voices. It may also help if you sit next to that person, so you can help him or her to better understand the conversation.

Learn More

FROM ALL OF US AT PROTECTEAR,

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A PROSPEROUS 2017!

Please Note:

The office will be closed from Dec 26, 2016 – Jan 2, 2017.