Services
Hearing Protection
The evaluation is done to determine if hearing loss is present, and if so, to detail the type and severity of the hearing loss. It may also provide insight into the cause of hearing loss as well as provide guidance for the audiologist in making appropriate treatment recommendations.
Our audiologist will also determine if the hearing loss is conductive (middle or outer ear problem) or sensorineural (inner ear or central processing difficulties). A diagnostic audiologic evaluation includes pure-tone testing, bone-conduction testing, and speech testing.
Hearing Protection at Work
In the official website of the United States Department of Labor, employers are required to make hearing protectors available to employees exposed to an 8-hour time-weighted average exposure to 85 decibels. As part of occupational safety and health guidelines, it is both the employer and the employee’s responsibility to ensure that hearing protection is used when needed.
Custom Earmolds, Earplugs and In-Ear-Monitors
While store-bought earpieces may offer some amount of protection, custom earmolds and earplugs offer better protection with a comfortable fit specifically designed for your ears. Custom earmolds and earplugs also offer more security and peace of mind, providing the best possible protection against noise-induced hearing loss. Custom earmolds to pair with hearing devices are available in different types and sizes. Some earmolds are made of a solid, more rigid material, while some are more spongy or soft.
Custom earplugs designed for exposure to higher levels of noise for longer periods of time may have a filtered attenuator (available in electronic and non-electronic models), allowing for verbal communication while still providing hearing protection. This type is popular with musicians and music-lovers attending concerts and festivals.
Musicians and music-lovers may be in the market for custom in-ear-monitors. These take the place of large speaker systems during a performance, and allow for more hearing protection, while at the same time allowing for customized amplification of certain voices and/or instruments.
Custom earpieces can also be used for fitting over certain types of earbud headphones, under pilot boom-mic headsets, and other special uses. Custom earpieces are made to fit the unique contour of your ear. For people who have a hard time finding a comfortable or secure fit with standard earpieces, the choice of a custom product may be the best solution.. At the Austin Hearing Aid Center, we offer custom earmolds for any type of hearing protection requirements.
How effective is hearing protection?
Each type of hearing protection has its own unique Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). The higher the NRR, the greater protection it offers.
As published in CDC’s website: “The difference between the NRR and actual worker attenuation varies widely across different types of protectors and different ear canal sizes and shapes. Personal hearing protector fit-testing is the only way to know how much noise reduction an individual receives and to ensure that each worker is sufficiently protected from excessive noise.”
At the AHAC, we are able to test the amount of hearing protection that each type of protector provides.
Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2015-181/default.htmlhttps://www.osha.gov/noise
Are earplugs or earmuffs better?
It actually depends on how you intend to use it. Lifestyle and/or work conditions will also play a big factor in choosing which is better.
Earplugs are known to offer greater protection than ear muffs because they fit directly in the ear canal. However, ear muffs are bulkier and more difficult to carry around. For workers who are always on the go or need to wear some sort of personal protective equipment (PPE) at work, ear plugs may be the ideal choice.Our friendly audiologists at Austin Hearing Aid Center can help you choose the best hearing protection suited for your lifestyle needs.
Hearing Protection | Austin, Texas
Hearing protection is not simply a commercial product or an accessory. Hearing protection plays a big role in preserving your hearing so that you can enjoy all the sounds of life for a long time. Whether you need hearing protection for work or leisure, the Austin Hearing Aid Center will help you find the custom solutions to fit your lifestyle.
Hearing is an important part in determining your quality of life. We encourage you to make a conscious effort to protect your hearing so don’t experience hearing issues anytime soon. If you work in a high-noise environment, we recommend regular hearing check-ups to detect any hearing changes and monitor early indications of hearing loss.
Call us today to schedule a consultation with our audiologists!
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Our office is conveniently located off Ben White and Menchaca Road. We take our time with each person, therefore, it is necessary to schedule your appointment in advance.
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4403 Menchaca Road, Suite E
Austin, TX 78745 - (512) 444-8684
- (512) 444-8697
Testimonials
What People Say?
For 15 years my audiologist Mr Randolph and his assistant have gave me the best service I could ever expect and a 5 Star rating is not enough for them and they deserve the amount of stars in the universe which are unmeasurable just as is my gratitude towards both of them.Testimonials
What People Say?
Frequently Asked Questions
I provide a comfortable place for people to come have their hearing tested and discuss their hearing concerns. I offer a free, no obligation hearing aid evaluation. If it turns out that you are a candidate for hearing aids, there is a 45-day trial period that includes follow up care to assure proper adjustment.