From sporting events to family gatherings to fireworks shows to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with fun experiences. Most of these activities are perfectly safe and healthy, but some do come with a risk of noise-related hearing loss. Over time, the loud noises that come with some of these experiences can cause permanent hearing damage. This hearing damage could be the result of anything from the roar of a motorcycle engine to the booms of a fireworks show.
Over time, extremely loud noises can trigger damage to your ears. As a result, you experience hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is irreversible.
There is no cure, though this type of hearing loss can be successfully controlled. Raising your awareness of these prevalent loud noises can help you better control risks and establish prevention strategies, so you can protect your hearing over the long run. You can protect the health of your hearing while still enjoying summer fun by utilizing a few basic adjustments.
Is it really that loud during the summer?
It can be really easy to miss noise hazards during the summer months. Some of the most common dangerously loud noises include the following:
- Routine use of power tools: Home improvement projects are great activities during the summer. But it’s important to keep in mind that all of those power tools can be really noisy. The more you utilize these tools, the more your hearing risk increases.
- Sporting events: Crowd noise can damage your hearing, especially at events like auto racing or monster truck rallies.
- Fireworks events: Summer is full of fireworks. From neighborhood parties to holiday festivities to sporting events, fireworks displays are everywhere during the summer months. But fireworks shows are easily loud enough to trigger permanent hearing damage.
- Loud concerts: Even outside concerts have significant risks to your hearing health. After all, these events are planned to be as loud as possible.
- Routine lawn care: This might include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. These tools have very loud powerful motors. Motors that run on electricity rather than gas are normally quite a bit quieter, though.
- Driving: Going for a Sunday drive is incredibly popular, but the wind rushing into your windows (or all around you if you’re driving a convertible) can be tough on your ears. And the risk becomes exponentially worse the longer you are exposed.
In general, sounds louder than 85dB are considered to be harmful. This is around the range of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. These sounds may not seem particularly loud so this is significant to note. But that doesn’t mean that such volumes won’t result in damage.
How can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
Noise-induced hearing loss impacts millions of people each year. Noise-induced hearing loss can happen at any age, unlike age-related hearing loss. Prevention is significant for this exact reason. Some of the most reliable prevention strategies include the following:
- Wear hearing protection: If you cannot avoid noisy environments (or don’t want to miss out on particular fun activities), you can invest in a pair of good ear muffs or ear plugs. When you’re in settings that are too loud, use this protection to your advantage. Damage can be avoided in this way. Custom hearing protection devices tailored to your ears and your hearing can be particularly effective.
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: You may be surprised at just how rapidly sounds can escalate above that 85dB danger zone level. Even your earbuds and headphones can start to do damage at these volume levels. You can become more aware of when volume levels start to get too high by downloading a volume monitoring app for your cellphone.
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): If you went to a loud fireworks show, make sure your next day is a quiet one. Additional and more significant damage can be avoided by giving your ears an opportunity to rest and recover.
- Get your hearing checked: Sometimes, hearing loss creeps up on you quite slowly. Many people won’t notice the symptoms for months or years. Frequently, the only way to find out whether you have any noise-induced hearing loss is to have your hearing checked. We will help you comprehend how to keep your hearing healthy for years to come and discuss treatment solutions for any hearing loss you may already have.
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Disposable earplugs aren’t as effective as more customized types, but they’re far better than nothing! An inexpensive pair of disposable earplugs can help prevent significant damage if you find yourself in a noisy setting all of a sudden.
- Turn down the volume at home: Simply turning down the volume on your TV and music playing devices can help give your ears some quiet and a chance to recuperate. Damage will advance faster if you’re always listening to your devices at a high volume.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: If your environment is really noisy, you should limit your exposure time. Your ears can be safeguarded from long-term damage in this way. Every thirty minutes or so, when you’re at a noisy sporting event, for instance, go and spend some time in a less noisy area.
Noise-related hearing loss isn’t unavoidable. Prevention strategies can help preserve your hearing. With the right strategy, you can enjoy all that summer, or any other season, has to offer and safeguard your hearing.
Talking to us can help start your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!