When do I need hearing/ear protection?
People should wear hearing protection if the noise or sound level at the workplace exceeds 85 decibels (A-weighted) or dBA. Hearing protection reduces the noise exposure level and the risk of hearing loss.
What is hearing loss?
Hearing impairment, deafness, or hearing loss refers to the total or partial inability to hear sounds. Symptoms may be mild, moderate, severe, or profound. Hearing loss occurs when there is wear and tear on the hairs or nerve cells in the cochlea that send sound signals to the brain. When these hairs or nerve cells are damaged or missing, electrical signals aren’t transmitted as efficiently, and hearing loss occurs.
There is no cure for sensorineural hearing loss, the most common form of hearing loss. Currently, the only method of rehabilitation is amplification via hearing aids, cochlear implants, or assistive listening devices.
Hearing protection is vital in preventing hearing loss.
Why custom ear protection?
- dB Blockers™ are fitted to each person exactly – eliminating ear pressure
- Enhance communication in noise on the phone or in conversation
- Allows the individual to hear warning sounds
- SkinSoft™ hypoallergenic, non-flammable silicone blend
Which hearing protection is right for me?
Custom ear protection allows you to protect yourself in many environments. These may include:
- Sleeping (Snoring Partner, Traffic Noise, Near Airport, Subway, Train, Buses, Restaurant, Bar, etc)
- Vented or Non-Vented
- Swimmers (Swimmer’s Ear)
- First Responders (Paramedic, Fire, SAR, Law Enforcement)
- Radio Port
- Musicians
- Motorcycle Riders
- Sporting Events
- Music Festivals
- Bars, Clubs, Special Events Employees
- Airplane
- Kitchen Workers
- Factory/Warehouse Workers
How long does a pair last?
Your custom hearing protection are designed to last around 3-5 years depending on how you care for them. Some may last longer than 5 years. This long life makes the cost of custom hearing protection one of the best value compared to other hearing protection options, in addition to superior sound quality and comfort.
I want another pair, can I reorder?
Yes, your ear impressions are generally kept for 5 years. We are able to reorder the exact same pair or any other style without the need to redo your ear impression.
dB Blocker™
Convertibe Non-Vented- The highest degree of hearing protection. Should also be used where high air movement would create wind noise in the vent (whistling). Has a removable cord.
- WorkSafe BC Compliant
- Motorcycling
- Sailing
dB Blocker™
Convertible (Vented)- Offers the convenience of a detachable cord and a filtered vent for conversation in noise. Attaches easily to various radio cords for seamless integration with many radios while conserving hearing.
- For situations where interpersonal conversation in noise is required without removing the protector.
- WorkSafe BC Compliant
dB Blocker™
Discreet (Vented)- Discreet hearing protection where conversation is also desired. Used in hospitality and air travel where noise is an issue
- Air Travel
- Sleeping
- Loud Office/Work Environment
- Non-Vented model available
dB Life™
Swimmers- Ear plugs designed for individuals who should not get water in their ears. They are made from a special formula of silicones that have been custom blended to allow them to float.
- Note: This blocks water from entering the ear and is not a hearing protector.
dB Life™
Sweet Tones Musicians Earpieces- Hearing protectors that reduces all frequencies equally by 9 dB, 15 dB, 20 dB or 25 dB with corresponding Flat Attenuation Filters.
- Designed for musicians or concertgoers who want to hear music without distortion but with less volume.
Oto Hearing
Ear Defender- WorkSafe BC Compliant
- Medical Grade Soft Silicone
- Provide ultimate protection to those in noise impacted environments
- Optional filters for custom environment:
- CLASS A for maximum protection in all environments.
- CLASS B FILTER (+ $15) for sudden impact noises such as hammering, shooting and fireworks.
- CLASS C FILTER (+ $15) for constant noise such as those of heavy machinery, loud motors and music concerts
- Options:
- Plastic handle with cord/clip (+ $10)
- Molded handle
- Removable cord with clip
- Storage pouch
Oto Hearing
Sleeper/Discreet- Full Shell
- Canal Shell
- Half Shell
- Medical Grade Soft Silicone
- Solid (Non-Vented) or Vented
- Low Profile for side sleepers or for Professional workplace requiring discreet look
Oto Hearing
Swimmer- Protects ear from water (Swimming, Bathing/Showering)
- Floatable
- These are not intended for noise protection
- These are intended for individuals who wish to keep water from entering into the ear (patients with chronic ear infections, perforated tympanic membrane, etc). Please ensure that you are not experiencing an active ear infection when booking your appointment.
Impression Only
Send your choice of manufacturer- Need an impression to send for a custom made product?
- This service will provide you an examination and an impression for you to send to your preferred manufacturer/lab for your custom hearing product, including custom:
- musician in-ear monitors
- electronic shooting/hunting ear protection
- specialty comms units (aviation, naval, emergency, etc)
- Price is per pair; We use a medical grade silicone for all impression
Book an Appointment to have your ear impressions molded. This process takes approximately 10 minutes.
Choose your style, options, and colour.
Your ear impressions will be 3D scanned and modeled at the lab located locally in the Lower Mainland. This process typically takes 3-5 weeks.
If this is your first pair of hearing protection, it may take a few times to get used to wearing (donning) and removing (doffing) your hearing protection. We will guide you through this process when you pick up your hearing protection. Alternatively, we may directly courier your new hearing protection.