Sound Advice

The Hidden Risks of High-Frequency Noise

December 13, 2023

The Hidden Risks of High-Frequency Noise…

Noise, often underestimated, can pose significant risks to our well-being. Here is the second part of what you need to know:

🔹 Hearing Damage:

Exposure to harmful noise, especially in the workplace, can lead to permanent and disabling hearing loss. This damage can occur gradually over time or suddenly due to extremely loud noises. Such hearing loss can make it challenging to comprehend speech, engage in conversations, or even use the telephone. But that’s not all – noise can also trigger distressing conditions like tinnitus, disrupting our sleep patterns.

🔹 Safety Concerns:

Noise doesn’t just affect our hearing; it can create safety hazards at work. It interferes with communication, making warnings harder to hear, and reduces awareness of our surroundings. In essence, noise can compromise safety, putting people at risk of injury or

High-Frequency-1-post-

🌟 Health and Safety Regulations:

To mitigate these risks, companies must take action. Depending on the level of risk, they should reduce noise exposure and provide personal hearing protection to employees. The regulations also require companies to ensure that legal limits on noise exposure aren’t exceeded, maintain noise control equipment, provide education and training, and monitor workers’ hearing ability.

🌟 Identifying Noise Problems:

Companies need to ask themselves if they have a noise issue in the workplace. If any of the following conditions apply, action must be taken:

  • The noise is intrusive, akin to a busy road, vacuum cleaner, or a crowded restaurant, for most of the working day.High-Frequency Noise
  • Employees need to raise their voices to have a conversation.
  • Noisy-powered tools or machinery are used for extended periods.
  • The industry involves noisy tasks, like construction, woodworking, or foundries.

🌟 Safety Considerations:

Safety concerns related to noise arise when warning sounds are used to avoid danger, work practices rely on verbal communication, or when work is near mobile machinery or traffic.

🌟 Taking Action:

If you’ve identified noise-related risks at your workplace, it’s crucial to conduct an assessment and develop a Hearing Loss Prevention Plan to protect your employees’ well-being.

Learn how to protect your hearing in high-frequency noise 

#NoiseAwareness #SafetyFirst #customprotectear #protectear #dbblockers

 

Safeguarding Your Hearing in the Packaging Industry

November 29, 2023

In the fast-paced world of packaging, where productivity is paramount, effective coordination hinges on seamless communication. But how can you prioritize safety without compromising this vital communication? 🔇📦

👂 Custom dB Blockers:

Introducing Custom Protect Ear’s (CPE) dB Blockers, specifically tailored for the dynamic packaging industry. These cutting-edge hearing protectors not only shield your team’s hearing but also ensure crystal-clear communication. Whether in corrugated box facilities or aluminum can production plants, your workforce can maintain operational smoothness without relocating to quieter zones, even during unforeseen events.

🎯 Worker Safety:

In packaging, hearing protection transcends noise; it’s about safety. While plastic bottling plants may not be as acoustically demanding, they present unique risks due to exposure to specific chemicals. With undefined safe exposure levels, providing proper hearing protection becomes a non-negotiable for employee well-being.

🌟 Employee Well-Being:

Our dB Blockers are custom-fitted for optimal comfort, ensuring your workers remain focused and at ease, regardless of temperature conditions. Investing in their hearing health goes beyond shielding ears; it promotes sharper, more concentrated performance.

Prioritize worker safety and unhindered communication in the packaging industry with dB Blockers by Custom Protect Ear. 🛡️

CPE Packaging, Hearing

#HearingProtection #SafetyFirst #PackagingIndustry #CustomProtectEar #ProtectEar #dBBlockers

3 Reasons Why You Should Choose dB Blockers 

March 30, 2023

At Custom Protect Ear it is our goal to eliminate Noise Induced Hearing Loss.

We deliver this in 3 ways:

1.    dB blockers are EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE, which means people are willing to wear them for their entire shift.

2.    Those wearing dB blockers HEAR EACH OTHER BETTER, which improves workplace safety, communication, and productivity.

3.    dB blockers are more COST EFFECTIVE than disposable hearing protectors, so you pay less for a better product.

 

#noise #workinnoise #hearingsafety #protectear #dbblockers #communication #productivity #safety #customprotectear

March is Hearing Loss Prevention Safety month.

March 23, 2020

Occupational hearing loss is the most common work-related injury in the United States.  Approximately 22 million U.S. workers exposed to hazardous noise levels at work, and an additional 9 million exposed to ototoxic chemicals.


An estimated $242 million is spent annually on worker’s compensation for hearing loss disability.

NIOSH recommends that all worker exposures to noise should be controlled below a level equivalent to 85 dBA for eight hours to minimize occupational noise induced hearing loss. NIOSH also recommends a 3 dBA exchange rate so that every increase by 3 dBA doubles the amount of the noise and halves the recommended amount of exposure time.

  • Four million workers go to work each day in damaging noise. Ten million people in the U.S. have a noise-related hearing loss. Twenty-two million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise each year.
  • In 2008, approximately 2 million U.S. workers were exposed to noise levels at work that put them at risk of hearing loss.
  • In 2007, approximately 23,000 cases were reported of occupational hearing loss that was great enough to cause hearing impairment.
    Reported cases of hearing loss accounted for 14% of occupational illness in 2007.
  • In 2007, approximately 82% of the cases involving occupational hearing loss were reported among workers in the manufacturing sector.

Over the past few decades, much has been learned about the implementation of hearing loss prevention programs. The eight components of a successful hearing loss prevention program include:

1) noise exposure monitoring,

2) engineering and administrative controls,

3) audiometric evaluation,

4) use of hearing protection devices,

5) education and motivation

6) record keeping,

7) program evaluation, and

8) program audit.

ISO 9001

Don’t forget to do your part to promote awareness about Hearing Loss Prevention Safety Month!


SOURCE

Acknowledgments to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/

Tone down loud jobs to save your hearing!

March 12, 2020

Is your work environment too loud?

If you have to raise your voice to speak to someone three feet away, noise levels may be above 85 decibels, which can be troublesome, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

“Noise may be a workplace problem if you hear ringing or humming in your ears when you leave work; if you have to shout to be heard by co-workers; or experience hearing loss when leaving work.”

 

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health offers a downloadable “Sound Level Meter App” for mobile iOS devices that measures workplace sound levels, and provides “noise exposure parameters” to help reduce occupational noise-induced hearing loss. Download App. 

Audiologist Dr. Susan Rogan, Susan Rogan Hearing, who practices in LaGrange Park, advises employees to protect their ears by wearing ear plugs or noise-reducing headphones.  Limit exposure to loud environments, and position yourself away from any amplified sound when possible.

Extremely loud sounds, even for a short period of time, can cause permanent hearing loss to the sensitive inner ear, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders:

“Your distance from the source of the sound, and the length of time you’re exposed to the sound are important to protecting your hearing.  Noise induced hearing loss can be immediate or it can take a long time to be noticeable.  It can be temporary or permanent, and affect one or both ears.  Avoid noises that are too loud, too close, or for too long.”

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires employers to have a hearing conservation program in place if workers are exposed to loud noises, and to provide hearing protection, information, and training.

CPE hearing

Hearing Conservation Programs

Hearing conservation programs strive to prevent initial occupational hearing loss, preserve and protect remaining hearing, and equip workers with the knowledge and hearing protection devices necessary to safeguard themselves.

Employers are required to measure noise levels; provide free annual hearing exams, hearing protection, and training; and conduct evaluations of the adequacy of the hearing protectors in use (unless changes made to tools, equipment, and schedules result in worker noise exposure levels that are less than the 85 dBA). Research indicates that workplaces with appropriate and effective hearing conservation programs have higher levels of worker productivity and a lower incidence of absenteeism.

Based on these facts/ stats the industry is seeing a shift from disposable hearing protection to custom hearing protection. The benefits for both the wearer and the employer out way disposable ear plugs – they are:

Cost

Products like dB Blockers™ are much less expensive to use than disposable earplugs or muffs. The employer will save up to 60% over 5 years on a program when an entire facility is fit. The cost per month for dB Blockers™ is lower because you can wear them for 5 years.

Protect Ear

Comfort

Also, dB Blockers™ are hearing protection products made to fit the individual’s ear exactly, this gives the worker a custom hearing protector (earplug) that they can wear all day long.

Compliance

CPE pouch

One of the problems of any hearing loss prevention program is getting people to wear hearing protection products and policing their use. However, with dB Blockers™ this is easy because if they are comfortable. Because they are custom molded, they only fit the correct way, like a key in a lock so it is not necessary to check insertion.

Communication

The proprietary frequency tuned filter allows communication without removal. People can communicate in noise better while wearing their dB Blockers™ hearing protection than if they were to remove them. Your hearing loss prevention program will not interfere with productivity.

Environment / Social Impact

Lastly disposables are non recycle-able or compostable so they leave a dent in the environment. Custom hearing products are made to last and will not leave a negative impact on our environment.

Learn more – Get Fitted for your own pair of Custom Hearing Protection


SOURCE

Susan Rogan Hearing : 419 N. La Grange Road, La Grange Park, IL 60526 : 708.588.0155 :www.susanroganhearing.com.  (This new Downers Grove location is coming soon:  1501 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515 : 630.969.1677)

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/noisehearingconservation/hearingprograms.html

2020 International Women’s Day #BecauseOfYou

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


Source

https://cfc-swc.gc.ca/commemoration/iwd-jif/theme-en.html

Valentines Day – Love your Hearing!

February 14, 2020

Your ears deserve attention. After all, hearing is one of your most important senses and if you think about it, hearing connects us to the world

Our ears allow us to stay safe in our environment. Hearing the blast of a horn, loud crash or even the drop of a glass causes us to make choices. What if you missed hearing something important?

What if you missed part of a conversation and when you attempted to fill in the blanks, came up with a totally different meaning that affected a future event or decision? It happens. We hear these stories every day.

We also see people who deny that they have a problem with their hearing. We understand that. If you don’t know what you are missing, it makes perfect sense to believe you are not missing anything.

If your friends and family tell you that the TV Is too loud, if you find yourself asking people to repeat what is said, or if you notice that it is more difficult understanding while dining out, do yourself a favor and get your hearing checked.

Your hearing matters love your hearing

Of all the five senses, our hearing is perhaps the most precious. If we lose it, we lose contact with the people we love and the world around us. Learn more about hearing.

Life is full of surprises and it’s best not to miss a moment.


From all of us at Custom Protect Ear – Happy Valentines Day!

EHS Today – Health and Safety, Sustainability and Corporate Excellence Webinar!

January 6, 2020

EHS

Corporate Success: Connecting Health & Safety, Sustainability and Operational Excellence

FREE WEBINAR

Tuesday, January 21st

Occupational safety and health (OHS) professionals working in organizations are integral to sustainability and operational excellence. In the past, corporate sustainability efforts focused on environmental issues, such as resource usage and emissions reductions.

Attention has turned to other aspects of sustainability, including occupational safety, health and wellness.

Investors break down sustainability into environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, with an expectation companies will report on the measurement and resulting outcome of managing these issues. The safety and health of workers – the human capital – is part of the social dimension of sustainability.

 

REGISTER NOW! 

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.

Holiday Safe Listening: Noisy Technology, Toys and Places

December 17, 2019

Holiday Safe Listening: Noisy Technology, Toys and Places

Between new technology gifts (used with earbuds or headphones), noisy toys, and loud holiday parties and concerts, the holiday season brings welcome revelry but also a lot of noise.

Read on for more information—and download and share these resources with your family, friends, and clients/patients to help encourage the public to protect their hearing.


Safe Listening Tips: Holiday Gifts and Hearing Protection

Buying a tech gift for your child this holiday season? More than 1 billion young people worldwide are at risk of developing hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices from noisy technology and leisure settings. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association offers three easy tips to teach safe listening and help kids protect their hearing.