We live in a noisy society, where we are exposed to high and damaging levels of noise every day. However, we can avoid this damage with proper ear protection. The last thing you want is for your hearing to suffer over the long-term because you have not looked after your hearing health. This is why it is advisable to book an appointment with your audiologist so that you can discuss the different forms of ear protection, and which is best for your specific needs. When discussing your ear protection options, consider the following four questions.

Do I need ear protection?

This is the most obvious and the first question that you should ask your audiologist. They will assess your risk level based on your occupation and the hobbies you enjoy, whether it is construction work or you're an avid concert-goer. Additionally, they may evaluate if any hearing loss has already occurred, to get a better feel for what option is best for you.

What type of ear protection is right for me?

Once you have established whether or not ear protection is going to be needed, you will then figure out what solution is going to be right for you. Your audiologist will discuss the different options that are available to you, and they will make their professional recommendation regarding which solutions are going to be best. They may also recommend different types of ear protection based on the activities that are being carried out.

When should I wear ear protection?

Speaking of needing different types of ear protection based on the activity that is being carried out, you need to discover what sort of ear protection you should be wearing and when you should be wearing it. You will also want to discuss how practical the ear protection is. For example, for general outdoor use, you may be interested in a pair of earplugs that are relatively discreet.

How much should I expect to pay for ear protection?

Last but not least, it is important to inquire about the costs that are associated with ear protection. After all, if you need to have something custom-made for your ears, you can typically expect to pay a little bit more for this. It can save you money in the long-run, of course, and offers more comfort and effective protection than other options. However, we all have different financial circumstances, and so it is important to ask about this.

So, there you have it: four of the important questions you need to ask your audiologist if you have an appointment about ear protection. There is no denying that ear protection is something that is widely underused. However, the last thing you want to do is realize that you need this when it is too late. Prevention is the best way to ensure that you do not experience lasting hearing loss in the long run.