Combatting Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Sports and Recreational Activities

Loud noises over extended periods can lead to hearing loss. This is because hair cells in your ear can be damaged when overexposed to loud noises. Fortunately, if you enjoy sports or other loud recreational activities, you can use ear protection to reduce the chances of hearing loss. This article will share recommended ear protection from hearing health professionals to help you enjoy your favorite sports without impacting your hearing.

What If I Need to Hear?

Fortunately, there are many forms of ear protection out there for those that need to hear what their coach says or need to hear safety signals during activities like hunting. Hearing protection devices can either be non-electronic or contain electric components. Electronic hearing protection devices often contain unique technology that helps you filter out very loud noise like gunshots or louder musical instruments. They help you hear quieter sounds, like safety signals, better. Non-electric devices like earplugs or molds of certain types also contain filters that help you hear quieter sounds and reduce the impact of louder noises.

Earmuffs

Earmuffs are shaped like headphones and often fit around your ear better than other defenders. These non-electronic hearing protections help to create a tighter seal between your head and ears to block out the louder sounds around you. They are ideal for hunting or playing louder instruments like drums. Many also come with filters to help let quieter noises through.

Headphones

Headphones are the electronic equivalent of earmuffs and often contain electronic filters to help you block out louder noises. Many are tailored for sports like shooting at the range or hunting. For instance, some might be tailored to sit alongside a rifle butt or have a small travel case for easy traveling.

Earplugs

For some sports, like swimming, it isn’t possible to use electronic components to block out noise. The same applies to other contact sports like soccer. You may even need to use ear protection during a performance, rendering more discreet ear protection from your health hearing professional more likely. In these situations, earplugs are often the best solution.

Some of the options available for sports-related earplugs include:

• Canal caps: These are banded earplugs that come with a discreer band connected to the earplugs to help secure them in place. The band can rest on the neck when not in use.
• Foam earplugs: Foam earplugs expand to fill the ear and sit snugly to prevent noise. These aren’t catered to deafening noises but might be helpful if you attend one-off loud activities like concerts.

Depending on the activity, your hearing health professional may suggest that you wear earplugs in conjunction with earmuffs or headphones.

Ear protection is essential to prevent hearing loss from loud sports and activities. Fortunately, there are many forms of ear protection out there, from electronic-free earplugs for swimming to electronic headphones to protect against musical noise. Talk to your hearing health professional today to find the proper ear protection for your activity.