Don’t Blame Apple iPod for Hearing Loss

Well, I suppose you could try, but not for any amount of money. A court in the U.S. (San Francisco) ruled in favour of Apple in a lawsuit filed in an attempt to blame Apple for hearing loss caused by the iPod ear buds. The plaintiff wanted a sum for damages and for the court to order that Apple improved its ear buds to prevent hearing damage. Hmmm…

While it’s quite true that any personal music device can cause hearing damage, the volume control allows the user to determine the decibel level. So, in my personal opinion, it was a fair judgement, especially since Apple includes a warning that states permanent hearing damage can occur if the “ear buds or headphones are used at high volume.”

Furthermore, the manual also reads, “You can adapt over time to a higher volume of sound, which may sound normal but can be damaging to your hearing. Set your iPod volume to a safe level before that happens. If you experience ringing in your ears, reduce the volume or discontinue use of your iPod.” Continue reading

Treating Tinnitus

Around 10-15% of adults globally have tinnitus requiring medical evaluation and treatment. The problem is there aren’t any clearly successful treatments for everyone who suffers from this annoying to debilitating disorder and much research and studies are needed to figure out how to treat tinnitus. For now, it’s best to do everything you can to avoid damage or further damage.

Tinnitus is a condition in which the person suffering hears ringing in their ears. It’s an internal ringing that causes distraction, sleep disturbances and sometimes pain. For some, tinnitus is mild and merely annoying. For others, the symptoms can become so frequent and painful that it truly interferes with their lives. Continue reading

So, We DON’T Have to Give Up Joe?

Tinnitus affects 15% or around half a million people in the U.K. It is a painful ringing in the ears caused by damage to the cilia in the ear canal from loud noises or repeated exposure to noise. In some cases, it’s merely a distraction whereas serious cases can be extremely painful and debilitating as it disrupts life and diminishes the quality of living.

For a long time now, the common belief in the medical industry was that caffeine irritated the symptoms of tinnitus, leaving many practitioners advising tinnitus patient to limit or cease their caffeine consumption. Now, we might be finding out that this was useless advice. Continue reading

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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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

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

Start Christmas Shopping Now for the Music Lovers

Yet another article on the damaging effects of consistent exposure to loud music via earphones or concerts made me think about this year’s Christmas list. Do you have music lovers on your list? If you do, you should read this article and truly consider purchasing some hearing protection for them!

Hearing damage can occur after exposure to decibel levels as low as 85 dB. Hearing damage is permanent and irreversible. Tiny hair cells in the inner ear convert sound energy into electrical signals. These signals travel to the brain where the sound is interpreted. Hearing damage occurs when the hair cells are damaged, and the worst part is, they don’t grow back. This is why hearing damage is permanent and irreversible. The only way to improve hearing after hearing damage occurs it to wear hearing aids. Continue reading

Trouble Singing? Wear Earplugs!

Well, perhaps your family does where earplugs when you attempt to sing, but seriously, I found an interesting article on wearing earplugs to improve your singing voice. So, if you truly are a singer or you have a child who shows promise, check this out.

Musician’s earplugs not only protect your ears from hearing loss, but they can help improve pitch. Plug your ears for a moment and talk or sing. Your voice will be much clearer to you. This is how earplugs can improve your pitch. You can hear yourself more clearly and better distinguish your pitch. Continue reading

What Makes These Earplugs So Popular?

There are literally hundreds of choices when it comes to earplugs, but some earplugs seem to reign supreme: Alpine MusicSafe Pro, Macks Ultra SafeSound, Macks Pillow Soft Kids, Moldex Spark Plugs, Moldex Mellows, and Heartech Silent Ear. I thought I’d look these customer favourites over and determine why they are so popular!

Musician earplugs are highly popular these days with all the attention given to hearing damage that avid music lovers, rock stars and club employees were encountering without proper hearing protection. Alpine MusicSafe Pro earplugs are affordable music earplugs that allow you to choose the proper level of protection with three different attenuating filters: white for low level pub music, silver for music venues and gold for D.J.’s and others who are exposed to very loud music. I give these a top rating because they offer professional quality in protection, but at affordable rates for those of us who are not highly popular D.J.’s or rock stars! Continue reading

Do You Have Your Musician Earplugs for Summer’s Concerts?

I’m very excited for this summer’s music concerts, are you? Some of my favourite musicians are coming to town and I’ve already purchased the tickets. I’ve also made another purchase for the first time: Musician’s earplugs! Why? Well, for one, I want to protect my ears so I can continue to enjoy music for the rest of my life. The other reason is one I hadn’t realized until last summer. The quality of music is incredible when you use musician’s earplugs.

Permanent hearing damage can occur in a short time, and if you’re a regular concert goer or just an occasional attendee, you need to protect your ears. Many famous musicians such as Pete Townshend have experienced hearing loss in one or both ears. DJ’s, club goers and concert goers have reported developing tinnitus which is a constant, painful ringing in the ears making it difficult to sleep and causing dizziness and loss of equilibrium. Continue reading