Hearing Aids and The Military
Our army, navy and air force keep us protected and this all comes at a cost. Our brave servicemen, and servicewomen, may put their lives on the line but their hearing is also at risk too. Just like any job we all need good hearing to do it to the best of our abilities. Just ask Kieran McCarry, owner of Clarisound, who is a former Royal Navy officer about the risks to your hearing from being in the military. Hearing loss is a major problem within the military, with one in five soldiers suffering from hearing loss, according to National Public Radio, USA. Hearing loss and tinnitus are two of the most common service-connected disabilities. So if you, or your loved ones, are involved in the military then preventing, or resolving, hearing loss should be a top priority.
Fighting for Your Hearing
People in the military are commonly exposed to noise that civilians are not; the sounds of gunfire, loud jet engines and more. Occupational hazards ranging from regular shooting drills to exposure to loud heavy machinery means that military personnel are regularly exposed to noise levels high enough to cause permanent damage to their hearing. This can make it difficult to do your job properly, and carries with it other risks. Situational awareness is equally as important for soldiers in the field, as the noises that surround them in the field may be warning signs of imminent attack. Good hearing is imperative for staying fully alert, and receiving and responding to vocal orders, it’s also important to the survival of a soldier in the middle of active combat.
Protect Your Hearing
Hearing loss is common but it is also considered one of the most preventable conditions related to someone’s occupation, or hobby. The most common cause of hearing loss is excessive exposure to noise. Hearing damage tends to occur when the ear is exposed to sustained high noise levels. These noise levels are quantified in units called decibels (dB) which measure sound pressure. Human speech typically produces 65 dB while rifles, pistols, shotguns, hand grenades, and light anti-tank weapons all produce high levels of noise above 150dB. The higher the sound pressure, the louder the noise and the less time needed to cause damage to the ear. While damage can occur at sustained noise levels around 85 dB, short-term exposure to 140 dB without protection can cause just as much damage. The best way to prevent damage to your hearing is to wear hearing protection.
Hearing Care Solutions
Whether you’re in the military or not, if you, or your loved ones, are suffering from hearing loss then the best way to restore your hearing and quality of life is to start wearing a hearing aid. Our friendly, professional hearing care consultants at Clarisound will check your hearing for FREE and be able to recommend a range of suitable hearing aids that will get you back to a normal military, or civilian, life. Restoring your hearing will prepare you for your next battle, whether it’s in the field, the workplace or the living room. <!– */