The average summer day is likely filled with fun experiences and happenings, from motorcycle rides to family reunions to fireworks to sporting events. Most of these activities are perfectly safe and healthy, but some do come with a risk of noise-related hearing loss. That’s because loud noises, over time, can damage your ability to hear. This hearing damage could be caused by anything from the roar of a motorcycle engine to the booms of a fireworks show.
What is noise-induced hearing loss? This condition happens when excessively loud noises, over time, trigger damage to your hearing. The consequence of this exposure is loss of hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss is effectively irreversible.
Although this kind of hearing loss can’t be cured, it can be successfully managed. Over the long run, you can protect your hearing and prevent damage by being aware of prevalent sources of loud noise and formulating prevention strategies. You can safeguard the health of your hearing while still enjoying summer fun by making use of a few basic adjustments.
Is summer really that noisy?
It can be really easy to overlook noise hazards during the summer months. Some of the most common dangerously loud noises include the following:
- Sporting events: Any time you’re around noisy crowds, you could increase your risk of noise damage (this can be even more prevalent at sporting events that feature motorized attractions, such as a Nascar race or monster truck rally).
- Loud concerts: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they’re outside concerts. After all, these events are designed to be as loud as possible.
- Fireworks events: Many places have fireworks displays monthly or more during the summer. From neighborhood gatherings to holiday festivities to sporting events, fireworks displays are everywhere during the summer months. Regrettably, fireworks are extremely loud and can certainly cause damage to your hearing.
- Routine lawn care: This could include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. The powerful motors in many of these mechanical tools are incredibly loud. It’s worth noting that totally electric motors are often quieter.
- 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 use these tools, the more your hearing hazard increases.
- Driving: Going for a Sunday drive is very 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.
The volume level that’s regarded as where damage begins to happen is about 85 dB. This is around the volume of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. That’s important to take note of because these sounds may not feel particularly noisy. But that doesn’t mean that such volumes won’t result in damage.
How can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
Each year, millions of people are impacted by hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss can occur at any age, unlike age-related hearing loss. Prevention is important for this exact reason. Some of the most effective prevention strategies include the following:
- 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. Additional and more significant damage can be avoided by giving your ears a chance to rest and recuperate.
- 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 considerable damage if you find yourself in a loud environment all of a sudden.
- Get your hearing checked: Hearing loss usually doesn’t happen all of a sudden. Many people won’t detect the symptoms for months or years. Having your hearing examined can help you determine whether you have noise-induced hearing loss. We will help you comprehend how to keep your hearing healthy for years to come and discuss treatment options for any hearing loss you may already have.
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: 85 dB may not seem like a lot, but you would probably be surprised how fast sounds can increase above that minimum threshold. At these volume levels, even your headphones or earbuds can quickly start damaging your hearing. There are numerous dependable apps available for smartphones that can help you monitor ambient noise levels, so you can be more aware of when your surroundings become dangerous to your hearing.
- Wear hearing protection: Keep a pair of ear plugs or ear muffs on hand in case you can’t or are not willing to avoid certain noisy situations. When you’re in settings that are too noisy, use this protection to your advantage. Damage can be avoided in this way. You can be especially benefited by making use of hearing protection costume designed for you.
- Turn down the volume at home: Your ears can get a rest by simply reducing the volume on your devices. Damage will develop more rapidly if you’re always listening to your devices at a loud volume.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: If your environment is really noisy, you need to regulate your exposure time. This can help prevent long-term damage to your ears. If you’re at a noisy sporting event, for instance, go to a quieter spot every thirty minutes or so.
Noise-induced hearing loss is not unavoidable. Prevention strategies can help preserve your hearing. With the proper approach, you can enjoy all that summer, or any other season, has to offer and protect your hearing.
Consulting with us can help start your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!