From sporting events to family gatherings to fireworks displays to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with enjoyable activities. Most of these activities are completely safe and healthy, but there are some that do come with a risk of noise-related hearing loss. Over time, the loud noises that come with some of these activities can lead to permanent hearing damage. A loud motorcycle engine or a roaring crowd could be causing long-term, noise-induced hearing loss.
Over time, extremely loud noises can cause damage to your ears. The result of this exposure is loss of hearing. This kind of hearing loss has no cure.
There is no cure, though this type of hearing loss can be effectively managed. 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 summer really that noisy?
Summer may be one of those times of year in which noise risks are easiest to overlook. Here are a few of the most common and also most hazardous:
- Routine use of power tools: Summer is an excellent time for home improvement projects. But power tools, in general, are often quite loud. Your hearing health is in increasing risk the more you use these tools.
- Driving: Taking a Sunday drive is very popular, but the wind rushing into your windows (or all around you if you happen to be driving a convertible) can be hard on your ears. And the risk becomes exponentially worse the longer you’re exposed.
- Routine lawn care: This could include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. These tools have extremely loud powerful motors. It’s worth noting that entirely electric motors are usually quieter.
- Fireworks events: Summer has lots of fireworks. From neighborhood get-togethers to holiday festivities to sporting events, fireworks displays are everywhere during the summer months. Unfortunately, fireworks are incredibly loud and can certainly cause damage to your ears.
- Sporting events: Any time you’re around loud crowds, you could increase your risk of noise damage (this can be even more relevant at sporting events that feature motorized attractions, including a Nascar race or monster truck rally).
- Loud concerts: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they’re outdoor concerts. After all, these events are planned to be as loud as possible.
The volume level that’s regarded as where damage starts to occur is about 85 dB. A typical hair dryer, blender, or lawnmower is around this volume. That’s significant to note because these sounds might not feel particularly noisy. But the volume of these devices can result in hearing damage over time.
Preventing noise-related hearing damage
Each year, millions of individuals are affected by hearing loss. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-related hearing loss can happen at any age. Prevention is significant for this exact reason. Some of the most successful prevention strategies include the following:
- Turn down the volume at home: Simply reducing the volume on your TV and music playing devices can help give your ears some rest and a chance to recuperate. When everything is loud all the time, damage can progress much faster.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: If your environment is really noisy, you should regulate your exposure time. Your ears can be safeguarded from long-term damage in this way. If you’re at a loud sporting event, for example, go to a quieter area every thirty minutes or so.
- Get your hearing checked: Hearing loss normally doesn’t develop all of a sudden. It could take years to notice in many instances. Frequently, the only way to determine whether you have any noise-induced hearing loss is to get your hearing examined. We’ll be able to discuss how to avoid further damage, which treatment solutions might be appropriate, and how to keep your hearing as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: 85 dB may not seem like a lot, but you would most likely be surprised how fast sounds can escalate above that minimum threshold. At these volume levels, even your headphones or earbuds can rapidly begin harming your ears. You can become more aware of when volume levels start to get too loud by downloading a volume monitoring app for your cellphone.
- 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 set of disposable earplugs can help prevent considerable damage if you find yourself in a noisy setting all of a sudden.
- Wear hearing protection: Keep a pair of ear plugs or ear muffs on hand in case you can’t or aren’t willing to avoid specific loud situations. When you are in settings that are too noisy, use this protection to your advantage. This can help prevent damage. You can be especially benefited by making use of hearing protection costume made for you.
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): If you attended a loud fireworks display, make sure your next day is a quiet one. This can give your ears more time to recover and avoid further and more substantial damage.
Noise-related hearing loss is not inevitable. You’re hearing can be preserved by utilizing prevention strategies. You can safeguard your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the correct approach.
Start your journey towards better hearing by contacting us for an appointment.