Hearing Protection

Understanding Noise-Induced Hearing Damage

We live in a loud world. Heavy city traffic, music being shared through the open windows of the car stopped next to you, appliances and equipment for cleaning or tending your yard, sporting events, and so many other noises are a common part of daily life. Extreme noise events or frequent exposure to excessive noise can lead to noise-induced hearing loss.

How do you determine at what point the noise is loud enough or frequent enough to cause damage?

To provide perspective, it is necessary to know that normal conversations measure around 60 decibels (dBA), which is well below the hearing damage threshold. Noise-induced damage can occur with exposure to 85 dBA of noise averaged over 8 hours. For every 3 decibel increase in volume, damage can occur with exposure for half the amount of time.

It takes only 4 hours for damage to occur at 88 dBA. Noise levels that exceed 100 dBA (a lawnmower, handheld power tools) can cause damage after 15 minutes of exposure. A chainsaw or music through headphones at full volume, as well as nightclubs and concerts, usually registers around 105 dBA, which means that damage can occur after a little over 3 minutes of exposure.

Limiting exposure and the length of exposure to damaging noise is the best means of preventing noise-induced hearing loss, but that is not always possible due to lifestyle or occupational circumstances. In any situation where extended exposure or extreme noise is likely to occur, the use of properly designed hearing protection is essential to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.

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Advanced Hearing Protection Devices Available from UpState Hearing

We understand that some occupations, hobbies, chores, and lifestyles expose you to damaging noise, so we have a broad range of hearing protection devices to prevent hearing loss.

The need to hear your friend or the sounds of nature around you while hunting are essential to hunting success. Our hunting attenuators allow all normal hearing while their electronic circuit cuts out all sudden and loud sounds. Most shooters forget they are wearing them because they are lightweight and comfortable, and they are valued because they do not “over-amplify” sounds such as shells rattling or crunching leaves.

Whether you are at a 49ers game, mowing the lawn, or enjoying your favorite rock band live, our custom-molded earplugs combine high-level noise reduction with a lightweight, comfortable fit. Clearly marked to fit the special contours of both ears, our noise plugs are marked to fit the right or left ear and come equipped with handles for easy insertion and removal. Cords can also be added to allow you to remove them and hang them around your neck for easy access.

Although not a contributor to noise-induced hearing loss, the moisture and chemicals from swimming pools dry out your ears causing irritation and infections. Our swim plugs are made of soft and comfortable silicone (it floats) that is custom molded for a precision fit. Their handles make them easy to insert and remove, and they are marked for use in your left or right ear for the best fit and to prevent spreading irritation from one ear to the other.

14-Day Test-Drive All Hearing Technology

You wouldn’t buy a car without having a test-drive, and we don’t expect you to invest in better hearing without first experiencing the difference for yourself.

UpState Hearing Instruments proudly offer 14-day test-drives on all hearing technology, giving you the confidence that you’re making the right decision.

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Request a Callback

With so many myths and misinformation about hearing loss and hearing care, it’s often the unknowns or confusion that holds us back from making the right decisions.

That’s why we have a hearing care expert available to help.

If you have a question, or would like to speak to a professional privately about the challenges that you may be facing, then simply request a callback and we’ll call you for a friendly no-obligation conversation.

“Hearing aids have allowed me to hear my grandkids”

I first realized that I was having trouble hearing during a meeting at work. Upon visiting UpState Hearing Instruments, I found them to be very welcoming! Hearing aids have allowed me to hear my grandkids. If you’re concerned about your hearing, you will be very happy with your decision if you visit UpState Hearing Instruments.
- Holly

“Struggling to hear at work was impacting my job”

I was struggling to hear at work which was impacting my job. My first impression of UpState Hearing Instruments was how great Ken’s presentation was. As I’m practically deaf without my hearing aids, they have greatly impacted my life. My advice to anybody that is considering visiting UpState Hearing Instruments is that it’s the place to go – it’s full of great people, especially Stacy!
- Mike

“These are my fourth pair of hearing aids and my first experience with UpState Hearing. I have never been so happy with the service and performance.”
- Duane Menefee

“I can turn the TV down to a comfortable level that does not annoy my wife”

I first noticed that I had a hearing loss several years ago. Before coming to UpState Hearing, I was concerned that I would not like them [hearing aids] and that I’d get possible feedback noise. I found everyone at UpState Hearing to be friendly, not pushy, and the demos were a plus. With my new hearing aids, I can turn the TV down to a comfortable level that does not annoy my wife. UpState Hearing is awesome. My hearing aids are comfortable – I am not vain about wearing them. They aren’t very noticeable.
- Ron R.

“I love that I can stream with all my devices”

I first realized that I might have a hearing loss when I was unable to hear normal conversations in a crowd. At first, I was concerned that I was too young for hearing aids and about the stigma of wearing hearing aid devices. During my first visit to UpState Hearing, I thought everyone there was very professional, they answered all of my questions, and they were compassionate. I can definitely hear better with my hearing aids! I love that I can stream with all of my devices. UpState Hearing is absolutely the best, they are easy to work with, and they offer good follow-up. P.S. Josh was the best!!!
- J.M.S

“We were satisfied when I took my dad to UpState Hearing to see Ken and know that’s where my husband wanted to go. ”
- Austin R.

Why Hearing Loss Often Goes Unnoticed

According to a recent National Health Survey, it’s predicted that 15% of the US population has some form of untreated hearing loss. The reason for this is that hearing loss can be very difficult to self-diagnose. With it often occurring slowly and gradually, it’s rare to notice any day-to-day changes, with no way to compare to what your hearing was once like. This is the reason that our loved ones often notice our hearing challenges before we do.

If you are concerned about your hearing or a loved one’s hearing, then your first step should be to have a comprehensive hearing assessment. It’s quick, non-invasive, and the earlier you can catch any form of hearing loss, the sooner you can correct it, and the higher the success rate.

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