A recent study in New York shows the potential for what our American friends call mass transit noise exposure to exceed World Health Organisation limits. What this means is that travelling by tube, train bus or car can subject commuters and especially operators to high levels of noise exposure, over a period of time this can cause a noise-induced hearing loss. The study was carried out by a team of scientists from the University of Washington and the Columbia University Department of Sociomedical Sciences using noise dosimetry to measure time-integrated noise levels in a representative sample of New York City mass transit systems aboard transit vehicles and at vehicle boarding platforms or terminals, during June and July 2007. "Of the transit types evaluated, subway cars and platforms had the highest associated equivalent continuous average and maximum noises levels. All transit types had noise levels well above 70dBA (decibels), the threshold at which a noise-induced hearing is considered possible." They went on to recommend: "Environmental noise-control efforts in mass transit and, in cases in which controls are infeasible, the use of personal hearing protection would benefit the ridership's hearing health."

Personal ear protection is available in a variety of styles from disposable, to custom made silicone ear protection and communication devices with filters to help you hear in noisy environments, while cutting out harmful loud noises.

Source: Noise Levels Associated With New York City's Mass Transit Systems. Richard Neitzel, Robyn R.M. Gershon, Marina Zeltser, Allison Canton, Muhammad Akram. American Journal of Public Health.

Hearing is one of the most important senses humans possess. However it is also the one sense that we seem to not concern ourselves with most of the times. In a noisy environment hearing can be damaged beyond repair very quickly and lead to lifetime of hearing ailments such as tinnitus or even deafness. One way of ensuring the safety of our hearing is to use hearing protection, such as ear defenders. A leading website which offers cost effective hearing aids and ear protection is offering outstanding special offers for the people in Surrey, East Sussex and South Yorkshire, that website is www.justears.org.

This impressive website hosts a plethora of hearing protection and related items, such as ear defenders, hearing aids and general ear protection. The website has a sole aim and that is to offer a comprehensive range of hearing related items which satisfy the needs of anyone requiring any form of ear protection or aids. Its exponential growing number of visitors and clientele is testimony to its excellent levels of customer service which are second to none.

The website itself is simple to use and user friendly. Navigation around the website is aided by the fact that there are links down the side which outline the various sections available. These include details about hearing loss, hearing aids, ear defenders. One feature which is often neglected is aftercare, this is to the detriment of the individual and the unit. Aftercare is essential to ensure smooth operation and includes maintenance and a 30 day money back guarantee to ensure total peace of mind and complete customer satisfaction. The website also outlines in an informative and detailed manner, options available and relevant and pertinent information relating to the products and possible ailments, such as details about hearing loss.

Justears.org has become a one stop shop of online information and resources to help those who require protection or help with their hearing. It offers a wide range of products and services which enables the client to access all their requirements in one location. With excellent levels of customer service, this website has become popular due to its nonsensical approach and quality of product as well as their professionalism.

For further information visit http://www.justears.org

Noise is a major factor in many industries especially with todays busy lifestyles. Before modern day technology, people would suffer huge hearing problems as a result. In todays modern world this is no longer a problem thanks to the revolutionary invention of ear defenders. These small mainly silicone based products have saved the hearing of many a person working in noisy environments.

Who Should Use Them?

Anybody working in a noisy environment who wishes to converse in a normal manner should wear ear defenders but they are highly recommended for people working in factories, oil rigs, laborartories, officies, the armed forces, all types of transportation, heavy plant and agriculture. People such as musicians and sportsmen will also benefit from ear defenders.

What Makes For Ideal Hearing Protection?

It has been said that the ideal hearing protection should allow whoever is wearing them to hear conversations a telephone ringing not to mention the other person at the end of the phone. The ideal ear defender should also allow their users to hear the radio and other essential sounds. All of this whilst still providing protection against distressing and dangerous sounds.

For comfort it is always best for any ear defenders to be custom made from a soft grade material to allow hygienic comfort over long periods of time. They need to be vented to minimise the plugged up feeling or the sensation of isolation.

What Options Do I have?

As stated above there are many different options available with regards to your ear protection dependant on which industry you are in or what you wish to use them for. Filtered ear plugs can be attenuated to various decibel levels and will give you the precise attenuation accross all sound levels. Standard Earplugs are not filtered and will only attenuate up to approximately 27dB. Standard plugs whilst giving large attenuation accross all sound frequencies are not as good when in comes to clarity of speech and this will almost certainly be lost especially if you decide to use an intercom through a motorbike helmet for instance.

Filtered and Non Filtered Ear Defenders are by far the most popular but there are more intelligent models out there for the more specific requirements. There are to many to list in this article but other models include the Max 200 which is an intelligent hearing protector that allows people to hear in extremely noisy conditions and as such is used by the US Army in conditions of up to 200dB.

The Duocom Communication ear defender is fitted with ML01 filters and was specifically produced for use with communication and radio equipment where ambient sound levels are high. These particular models are supplied with your standard 3.5mm jack plug so are compatible with most types of communication and radio equipment.

We could go on forever detailing the more specific models that are used by musicians and sportsman alike but the main point here is to illustrate that no matter what the industry there will be an ear defender that will suit. To summarise I would like to make clear that our hearing is a very precious gift and there are many people out there that would give anything to hear again so with so many options available with regards to ear defenders why gamble with something so precious?

Welcome to the Just Ears Blog. Specialists in hearing protection for a whole host of different occassions. Check back soon for more in-depth articles on our range of hearing solutions.