Hearing protection

Lead singer: "Shout, shout, let it all out!" Anyone who has ever sung along to this song by the British band Tears for Fears has probably had their ears ringing afterward. Our ears go through a lot, not just at concerts, but also at work, for example. Find out who should consider using hearing protection.

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1. The music fan

At rock and pop concerts, the music can reach volumes of over 100 decibels. That’s roughly equivalent to the noise level of a chainsaw. But a concert with no sound isn’t the answer either. Special filters suppress certain frequencies, so the music is quieter but just as clear.

2. The Workhorse

In some professions, people often have to endure noise for hours on end. Daily life is particularly loud for airport ground staff, road construction workers, and bartenders, but dentists and teachers are also affected. Anyone exposed to noise levels of 80 decibels or higher for eight hours at work is legally entitled to hearing protection.

3. The Local Tradesman

“I’m just going to drill a few screws into the wall!” If you do a lot of DIY at home and use a drill or circular saw, you should consider wearing hearing protection. Earmuffs—headphones that completely enclose the ear—are a good option here.

4. The Frequent Flyer

The plane is about to take off, but you don’t have any gum on hand? The pressure on passengers’ ears is particularly high during takeoff and landing. Add to that the roaring noise of the engines. This is where special earplugs with pressure-equalizing filters come in handy.

5. The Sleepless One

For some, it’s a baby or a snoring partner; for others, it might just be the ticking of an alarm clock: Many people toss and turn in bed at night because their surroundings are too noisy. Standard foam earplugs can help, but in other cases, a custom-fitted model is needed.

6. The Water Rat

A few laps in the pool, a quick dive—and before you know it, water splashes into your ear. Often it drains out again, but sometimes it can get trapped. This can lead to an ear infection, for example. Custom-fit earplugs are effective at protecting your ears from water entering them.