Football season has just started and fans everywhere, young and old are getting ready to go and cheer their favorite teams on.

Did you know that in 2015, a new sound record was set at Neyland Stadium? During the second quarter, when the Vols were beating Oklahoma by 17-0, a record volume reading of 114 decibels was set by the crowd. Whether that was by happy Vols fans or frustrated Oklahoma fans, that is a seriously impressive sound level.

To put it into context, the safe volume limit for the human ear is 85 decibels. A typical conversation measures in at an average of 60 decibels, and a garbage disposal comes close to the limit at 80 decibels.

However, the noise made at Neyland Stadium that day was just 5 decibels higher than a jet plane taking off!

The higher the decibel level, the shorter the time you can be exposed before damage happens. So remember, damage can happen pretty quickly when exposed to volume levels this high. This is something you seriously need to protect yourself from, especially if hearing loss is already an issue for you.

So, what do I do?

Obviously, missing the game is simply not an option. But protecting your hearing definitely is. Our wide range of custom hearing protectors don’t just protect your hearing, they have an array of other benefits:

They’re comfortable

We get it, nobody wants to feel uncomfortable at the match and have to fiddle around with earplugs. Custom hearing protectors are made to fit the exact shape of your ear meaning there won’t be any irritation or risk of them falling out. The only problem you might have is forgetting to remove them!

They last

Custom hearing protectors are made of medical-grade silicone. This not only means that they are super hygienic, but they should give you up to 6 years of protection.

The ‘custom’ bit

These protectors come in a wide range of styles and colors. Want something simple and discreet? No problem. Want to go bold and wear your football team’s color? Go right ahead.


So, if you’re planning on supporting your favorite team this football season, contact Physicians Hearing Care – East Tennessee’s choice for better hearing – and see how we can support you.

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Dr. Kalyn Bradford Au.D.

Dr. Kalyn Bradford is the director of hearing aid services here at Physician's Hearing Care. She completed her externship with Physician's Hearing Care in 2013 and subsequently joined the practice in 2014 after graduating with her doctoral degree in audiology from Louisiana Tech University. She joined PHC as a clinical audiologist, where she performed comprehensive audiological exams and specialized in helping patients to hear better using the latest hearing aid technology available. She has carried that experience into her current role as director of hearing aid services, where she does an excellent job managing the audiologists to ensure that all patients are treated with the best hearing care possible.