Hearing Health House
Protect your hearing with Hocks Noise Brakers®
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a storefront where I can get what I need, instead of ordering online?
If so, what are your hours and where are you?
Yes, you may make a purchase at our physical location:
Hocks Building
3930 S Kelly Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97239
Our hours are 9:00am - 4:00pm, Monday through Friday
Can I order by email and use my credit card, instead of ordering online with Paypal?
Yes, you may order by email: contact@hearinghealthhouse.com. Please be sure to include your phone number, or credit card information if you do not want us to call you.
You also may order using our Contact Us form, including your credit card information
or phone number, so that we may call you for your card information.
Do I need an appointment to have ear impressions taken at the Hocks Building?
Yes, you will need to call 503-274-9482 for an appointment, email for an appointment: contact@hearinghealthhouse.com, or use our Contact Us form.
Where Can I Get Custom Noise Brakers?
To obtain a pair of Custom Hocks Noise Brakers®, you will need to have impressions of your ears taken by a hearing specialist or any medical personnel who are qualified to take an impression. Please refer to for instructions, and use our Lab Order Form.
If you are in or near Portland, Oregon, we will take your ear impressions at no additional charge. Call 503-274-9482 for an appointment or with questions.
How long does it take to have a pair of Custom Hocks Noise Brakers made?
Our earmold lab needs from four days to a week to make a pair of Custom Noise Brakers. The length of time is determined by the process and by the current work load in the lab.
Can I clean my Noise Brakers?
Yes. Clean your Noise Brakers with warm water and liquid soap, such as Dawn Dishwashing Liquid. Rinse with clear water and air dry completely before inserting the plugs into your ears.
I am a musician. Can I get Custom Noise Brakers made in a color to match my drums?
Can I get Noise Brakers in the same color as my motorcycle jacket?
We will do our best to make your hearing protection in the color of your choice. We do not guarantee an exact color match.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the term for the perception of sound in one or both ears when there is no external sound, often referred to as ringing in the ears.
The "ringing" can be a soft background noise, or an overpowering noise that drowns out all other sounds, and can be ocassional or constant. The false data may be translated as a range of sounds, from ringing to whistling to buzzing, pulsing, hissing, clicking, or chirping, and usually accompanies hearing loss.
What is a Decibel?
dec·i·bel: a unit used to express the intensity of a sound wave. Abbr. dB
What is NRR?
The strength of hearing protection is given in its noise reduction rating (NRR).
The NRR indicates the average number of decibels sound will drop when inserted into your ear. The actual number that decibels will drop varies greatly depending on the pitch (the highness or lowness of sound), and volume.
What is a Noise Braker?
The Noise Braker is hearing protection utilizing the Hocks Noise Filter®. The filter, inserted into hearing protection, allows air and sound to enter the ear, while protecting the wearer's hearing.
The Hocks Noise Filter® is designed to reduce the intensity of sound waves as the sound waves get stronger. Hearing protection utilizing the Hocks Noise Filter® allows the wearer to carry on a normal conversation. The normal voice can be heard with a slight reduction of volume, while the background noise is filtered out to a greater extent.
For more information: