Hearing damage isn't always obvious. And that’s exactly what makes it so dangerous. You will notice a broken toe immediately but hearing loss creeps into your life unnoticed, until conversations become more difficult and sounds disappear. Our audiologist Thomas Tubbax sees it happen every week. Measuring, explaining and, above all, making people listen. Because you need to protect your hearing today, not when the damage is already done.
From fascination to expert
Thomas' interest in hearing began early on. What started with speech therapy grew into a distinct passion for audiology. While studying at Thomas More in Antwerp, he discovered just how complex and vulnerable your hearing is and how few people are really aware of this.
Today, he uses his expertise with us every day, confronting our clients with the simple truth that sound can cause damage faster than you think.
Thomas Tubbax - Audiologist and Custom Safety Coordinator at Vandeputte Safety Experts
Three seconds that make the difference
With a sound meter in hand, Thomas measures noise levels in the workplace. Fire stations, industrial environments, technical installations... The figures speak for themselves.
The limit is reached very quickly by sirens, for example; at just a few metres away, hearing damage can occur after only three seconds of exposure.
People immediately sit up and start listening when he explains this and that's precisely why he does it. Because awareness is the first step to prevention.
Hearing damage is invisible but lifelong
Hearing loss occurs gradually. You often don't notice it until:
- conversations become tiring
- voices sound less clear
- higher tones become inaudible
This all has an impact professionally, but also socially. Many people later tell us that they miss one thing in particular, understanding their grandchildren. So prevention is not a luxury; it is an investment in your future.
Always ready, even for the unexpected
Thomas rarely leaves the house without hearing protection. From reusable earplugs to professional solutions, hearing protection is part of his daily routine.
Once, when he ended up in a noisy club without earplugs, the fragility of our ears became immediately clear. An improvised solution with toilet paper helped that night, but structural protection is the only real solution.
Three practical tips from our audiologist
- Wear hearing protection when things get noisy
Choose quality earplugs that muffle noise without isolating you completely. You will continue to hear everything fine, but simultaneously protect your hearing. - Give your ears a rest, but don't overdo it
Constantly using noise cancelling devices makes you more sensitive to normal noise. You get used to silence and then normal sound suddenly feels too loud. Just as your eyes need to get used to the sun, your ears need to get used to sound. - Have your hearing tested
Hearing damage occurs gradually. Regular hearing tests help detect problems early.
Protection starts today
Good hearing protection is crucial. We know this all too well at Vandeputte.
And we are happy to help you find the hearing protection to perfectly suit your work. Feel free to contact us without obligation, and together we will find the best solution.
Based on an interview with our audiologist Thomas Tubbax, published by Thomas More: "Three seconds! That's all it takes for hearing damage to occur". Graduate Thomas Tubbax will make you sit up and listen.
