What’s Your Favourite Sound and Least Favourite Noise?

Have you ever considered why we use the word “sound” to describe a noise we like and the word “noise” to describe a sound we detest? Think about “What’s that beautiful sound?” versus “Where is THAT noise coming from?”

Perhaps I’ve had a bit too much “thinking” time on my hands with the children back in school after the holiday break. Nevertheless, I thought I might share some of my favourite sounds with you as well as the ones that send me running for my noise earplugs!

My 10 Favourite Sounds

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Did You Know That Stress Can Make You Fat?

Stress is one of those things we all have, and most of us realize we just have to “deal” with it. We can’t avoid it 100%. We can’t just take vacation after vacation. And even if you could… even if you had unlimited financial abilities, there are still stressful situations. Mentally and emotionally, stress takes its toll on all of us, but what about physically?

You’ve probably heard of the effect stress has on your heart health. You may have even heard about stress making you more susceptible to colds, flu and infection due to its ability to decrease immunity. Did you know that it could be making you fat? Continue reading

Earplugs for All: Men, Women, Children

One-size does not necessarily fit all when it comes to earplugs! The good news is there are plenty of choices so everyone’s ears will be protected from permanent hearing loss.

Men’s Earplugs

For the most part, men can use standard size earplugs. Whether you need shooter’s earplugs, sports earplugs, work earplugs or sleep earplugs, there are plenty of choices. For those who need earplugs on a regular basis, reusable earplugs are a cost-effective way to ensure you have protection available at all times. If you are unsure which foam earplugs you should buy, you can purchase Macks and Moldex Sample pack.

ProGuard makes custom earplugs, so even if you have difficult to fit ear canals, you’ll be able to enjoy comfortable earplugs designed specifically for your ears. Continue reading

New Product Reviews Plus Top Tips On Better Sleep!

There are a few new products that I just had to share with you. These chilly winter mornings have all of us wanting to sleep in late whenever possible. The sunlight doesn’t always cooperate with our plans, though! There are two great new sleep masks available to help you drown out the morning light and catch some extra sleep. Then, I have some top tips on how you can get a better night’s sleep!

Mack’s DreamGirl Contoured Sleep Mask has a contoured design which allows full eye movement so you can open and shut your eyes easily while wearing the mask. The silky material is extremely comfortable and the pretty pink colour will have you feeling like a princess. The adjustable Velcro strap allows adjustment so you’ll be sure to find a comfortable fit. It’s also washable! The mask comes with a pair of Dreamgirl earplugs as well so you’ll be able to block light and sound. Continue reading

Give the Gift of A Good Night’s Sleep!

Are you struggling to find that certain someone a special gift? For many this holiday season, diamonds, pearls and expensive electronics are a bit out of the price range. That doesn’t mean you can’t purchase special gifts for those you love. You just have to be a bit creative.

How many people appreciate a good night’s sleep? I’m not sure I know anyone who does not, especially if they are parents! Giving the gift of a good night’s sleep is quite simple and affordable!

Start with a nice basket or reusable container (green is in too!). You have many options when filling the basket if you consider all that is required for a good night’s sleep. Let’s start with a few of my favourite “good night” basket ideas. Continue reading

What’s Your Hearing Protection Opinion?

How important is your hearing or that of your loved ones? Surprisingly (or perhaps not) more than 40% of music lovers (those that listen to iPods or attend concerts/venues frequently) do not feel they have the time or money to bother with hearing protection.

I’m a music lover (yes, I know I’ve mentioned this a time or two), and the way I view hearing protection is akin to the way I view protecting and appreciating any gift. I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t hear my music or other important sounds such as my children laughing, singing or even telling one of those incessant knock-knock jokes. Continue reading

The BEST iPod Accessory!

If you’ve read my blog before, you know I’m a major music lover. As I write, I’m listening to my iPod (drowning out the kids in the background, see previous blog entry on this!). I also love to have my music playing while I run on the treadmill. It takes me to another world so I can get through the rather monotonous cardio. However, as often as I listen to my iPod, I didn’t want to experience hearing damage, so I made an investment and had my custom earphones made to protect my ears.

The process was quite simple. I ordered the ProGuard fleximonitor kit and had an appointment at a local audiologist where they took impressions of my ear canals. I sent the impressions back in the pre-paid post box, and two weeks later, my custom earphones arrived. Continue reading

ProGuard CUSTOM Earplugs for the Professional

Whether you are a professional athlete, musician, DJ, club employee, or motorcyclist, ProGuard makes a custom earplug for you! Though I still use inexpensive foam earplugs for various purposes, I was glad I made the leap and had custom musician’s earplugs made as well as professional quality earphones. The sound is amazing and as much as I love music and concerts, I’ve never regretted the expense.

The ProGuard manufacturing process is simple and efficient. You receive a kit in the mail and take it to an impression lab where simple impressions are taken of your ears. It tickles a bit, but it’s a relatively quick and easy process. Then you send the impressions back and a few weeks later, your custom earplugs arrive at your doorstep. Continue reading

Custom, Reusable or Disposable Earplugs?

Whether you need earplugs for work, sport or fun (yet noisy) activities, you have a choice between investing in custom earplugs or purchasing reusable or disposable earplugs. What makes the most sense for you? Take the following factors under consideration.

Your Ear Canal Type

If you have smaller than average ear canals, finding earplugs that fit comfortably can be difficult. What’s more is that if they do not fit properly, they won’t be able to seal properly and then, they won’t work as well (if at all as in the swimming pool!). Continue reading