From sporting events to family gatherings to fireworks shows to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with fun experiences. And while most of these activities are healthy, many can present invisible risks to your hearing health. Over time, the loud noises that accompany some of these activities can cause irreversible hearing damage. This hearing damage could be the result of anything from a roaring motorcycle engine to the booms of a fireworks show.
What is noise-related hearing loss? This condition occurs when overly loud noises, over time, cause damage to your hearing. The consequence of this exposure is loss of hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss is effectively irreversible.
There is no cure, but this type of hearing loss can be effectively controlled. Over the long run, you can protect your hearing and avoid damage by being aware of prevalent sources of loud noise and developing prevention strategies. With a few basic adjustments, you can enjoy your summer fun and protect your hearing health.
Is summer actually that noisy?
It can be quite easy to miss noise risks during the summer months. Some of the most common dangerously loud noises include the following:
- Loud concerts: Even outdoor concerts have considerable risks to your hearing health. After all, these events are designed to be as loud as possible.
- Driving: If you’re driving with the windows down, the wind noise can reach damaging volumes in your ears and this is even more pertinent if you drive a convertible. This is particularly true if the sound occurs for long periods without breaks.
- Routine lawn care: Included in this category are chainsaws, weed wackers, leaf blowers, and lawnmowers. The powerful motors in most of these mechanical tools are extremely loud. It’s worth pointing out that entirely electric motors are usually quieter.
- Sporting events: Any time you’re in loud crowds, you may increase your risk of noise damage (this can be even more prevalent at sporting events that feature motorized attractions, including a Nascar race or monster truck rally).
- Fireworks events: Summer is full of fireworks. From neighborhood gatherings to holiday celebrations to sporting events, fireworks shows are everywhere during the summer months. But fireworks shows are definitely loud enough to cause irreversible hearing damage.
- Routine use of power tools: Summer is a perfect time for home improvement projects. But power tools, in general, are often really loud. The more you utilize these tools, the more your hearing risk increases.
The volume level that’s regarded as where damage starts to occur is around 85 dB. A typical hair dryer, blender, or lawnmower is about this volume. These sounds might not seem particularly loud so this is significant to note. But that doesn’t mean that such volumes won’t result in damage.
Preventing noise-induced hearing damage
Each year, millions of people are impacted by hearing loss. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-related hearing loss can present at any age. That’s why prevention is so significant. Some of the most effective prevention strategies include the following:
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Utilizing disposable earplugs may not be as reliable as customized earplugs but, in a pinch, they’re better than no protection at all. If you find yourself abruptly in a loud environment, a cheap set of disposable earplugs can help prevent significant hearing damage.
- 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 example, go and spend some time in a less noisy spot.
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): If you attended a loud fireworks show, make sure your next day is a quiet one. This can give your ears more time to recuperate and prevent further and more substantial damage.
- Turn down the volume at home: Your ears can get a break by simply reducing the volume on your devices. When everything is loud all the time, damage can develop more quickly.
- Wear hearing protection: If you cannot avoid loud situations (or don’t want to miss out on particular enjoyable activities), you can get a pair of quality ear muffs or ear plugs. Wear this hearing protection whenever you need to, when you are in environments that are noisy. Damage can be avoided in this way. You can be particularly benefited by utilizing hearing protection costume made for you.
- Get your hearing checked: Hearing loss normally doesn’t happen all of a sudden. Many people won’t notice the symptoms for months or years. Having your hearing checked can help you determine whether you have noise-related hearing loss. We’ll be able to go over how to prevent further damage, which treatment solutions may 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: You might be surprised at just how fast sounds can escalate above that 85dB danger zone level. At these volume levels, even your headphones or earbuds can quickly start damaging your ears. There are many dependable apps available for smartphones that can help you track ambient noise levels, so you can be more mindful of when your surroundings become harmful to your hearing.
You don’t need to resign yourself to getting noise-related hearing loss. You’re hearing can be preserved by utilizing prevention strategies. You can protect your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the proper strategy.
Begin your journey towards better hearing by giving us a call for an appointment.