Do you need to protect your hearing?

  • Do you enjoy listening to music through earbuds or headphones?
  • Do you ever attend concerts or festivals?
  • Do you enjoy attending noisy sporting events?
  • Do you use power tools or lawnmowers?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need hearing protection!

Anatomy of the Human Ear

  1. The outer ear collects and funnels sound waves to the ear drum.
  2. The middle ear contains a chain of three tiny bones, called ossicles, which link the eardrum to the inner ear. This system conducts sound vibrations to the cochlea in the inner ear.
  3. Tiny hair cells within the cochlea respond to vibrations by generated nerve (electrical) impulses. The brain interprets the vibrations as sound. When these hair cells are damaged, a permanent hearing loss is the result. A noise induced hearing loss depends on the time and noise level of the exposure.

The Sounds Around Us

We tend to take the sounds in the world around us for granted until it is too late. Noise is everywhere.

Not only is noise present in our daily routines and recreational activities, but millions of Americans work in hazardous noise levels on a daily basis. It is estimated that 38 million Americans are affected by hearing loss. Noise has at least partially caused at least 33% of hearing loss in this group!

Noise induced hearing loss can be prevented with effective hearing protection! Preserving hearing is a key to allowing us to enjoy music and maintain effective communication for a lifetime.

The audiologists at UW SPHC are here to assist in the evaluation and maintenance of your hearing health. We can help you protect your hearing and provide the best overall comprehensive hearing healthcare.

Your Hearing Can Last A Lifetime. Protect It!

There are a variety of safe, effective and precise ways to protect your hearing regardless of where you work, what activities you participate in, or what hobbies you may enjoy.

Current technologies available are as simple as expandable slow-recovery foam ear plugs to precise custom plugs. They come in a variety of materials, sizes and colors to fit your needs and personal preferences.

Some custom plugs are designed for a flat frequency response. These plugs are for those who do not want to experience a “plugged up sound” while practicing or listening to music.

Whether you are working with power tools or listening to your personal music player, we have something that can keep your hearing safe!