Having clear hearing allows us to communicate with one another, enjoy our favorite music, and keep us safe. Until we start having trouble with our sense of hearing, we tend not to recognize its importance. It’s hard to detect which noises are harmful or which ones aren’t, but wearing earplugs now can prevent injury or symtoms down the line.
It can even help cope with symptoms of the following:
Migraine & headaches
Hypersensitivity Disorder
ADHD
Autism
Whether or not you identify with one of these conditions, here are 6 ways you can benefit from wearing earplugs:
Reduces stress. We’re so used to the barrage of unpleasant audio bombarding our ears on a daily basis, from sirens and construction site noise, we don’t realize just how much these sounds put us on edge. Since the body responds to noise as a stressor, wearing protective earplugs can change how you perceive certain noises while fostering a calm and relaxed state. While you can still hear conversations and other distractions around you, the sounds feel more tolerable.
Improves focus. If you have trouble concentrating, you know that distractions can cause a great deal of discomfort. Although complete silence isn't always ideal, wearing earplugs can help block out any distractions. For those with ADHD or SPD, wearing earplugs can also help with problematic behaviors due to hyperreactivity or extreme sensitivity.
Improves sleep. If you're a light sleeper, even the subtlest of noises can keep you up at night. These disruptions have lasting effects, as it takes time for the body to return to that deep sleep that's essential after a long day. Whether you wear earplugs throughout the day to promote a relaxed state or sleep with them at night, your body and mind will thank you once you wake up feeling well-rested.
Reduced anxiety. Anxiety can make you feel like you're out of control. If you're sensitive to certain sounds, you may experience this same feeling when you can't control some of the intrusive sounds occurring around you. Wearing earplugs can drown out triggering noises and give you control over your surrounding environment, while still having the ability to hear clearly
Improves social connectedness.
Struggling with your sense of hearing can result in trouble identifying and processing what others are saying. Focusing on the conversation can get stressful and sometimes result in isolation, loneliness, and depression. By freeing yourself of any distractions and reducing stress, you'll cultivate more profound and meaningful relationships.
Protects physical health. Noises and sounds are a normal part of everyday life, but sometimes, they can feel like an invasion of privacy. Too much exposure to constant, irritating sounds can increase the risk for stress-related illnesses like high blood pressure and ulcers.
Taking action now can prevent troubling conditions from occurring down the road. Click here to learn more about how earplugs can help you.
References
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/save-your-hearing
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression
Noises and sounds are a normal part of everyday life, but sometimes, we can do better without them. Hearing loss affects people all across the United States, and many cases are due to exposure to loud noises. Limiting noise can both save your hearing and eliminate distractions. Wearing earplugs can be highly beneficial after all.
Sleeping
If you have trouble sleeping, limiting distracting noises could help you get that deeper, undisturbed night’s rest that you need. By using earplugs, you can get rid of those quiet but annoying sounds like snores, other people awake in the house, and the monsters that go “bump” in the night. A night of healthy sleep is finally in reach without having to use sleep medications.
Studying
According to various studies, background noise can actually help the brain to keep concentrating during a long study session. However, quiet can be helpful too. For tasks that require a lot of brainpower and focus, silence may be key in achieving the desired results. Earplugs, once again, come to the rescue.
Doing Loud Work
If you are working a blender to make a smoothie or mowing your 12-acre plot of land, you might want to use earplugs as you do the job. Loud noises, when hitting a specific decibel level, can temporarily or permanently damage one’s hearing. Professionals in different industries like construction, car racing, and classical music performance use earplugs to protect their hearing from long exposure to such sounds.
Going to Concerts
Music concerts are also a place where you may want to bring your earplugs, especially if you are going to be close to the stage. Standing next to speakers at a concert can make your ears feel like foam! No matter how “uncool” your earplugs may look, you will thank them later when you find you still have your hearing.
Can Earplugs Be Dangerous?
Wearing earplugs also poses a few risks, but these are minimal. It is possible to get impacted earwax from using them, and in some cases they may cause an ear infection. Cleaning out your ears regularly and replacing your earbuds when they get too dirty will keep your ears clean and safe while using these nifty devices.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
Come in for a walk-in appointment on Tuesdays & Fridays from 10:00 am to 11:30 am or contact us to schedule an appointment by calling 410-698-6594 or visiting our contact page. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn for more blog posts, news, and updates!