From sporting events to family gatherings to fireworks displays to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with fun experiences. The majority of these activities are perfectly 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 experiences can cause permanent hearing damage. This hearing damage could be due to anything from the roar of a motorcycle engine to the booms of a fireworks show.
What is noise-related hearing loss? This condition happens when overly loud noises, over time, cause damage to your hearing. As a consequence, you experience hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is effectively permanent.
There is no cure, but this form of hearing loss can be effectively managed. Over the long run, you can safeguard your hearing and prevent damage by being aware of common sources of loud noise and formulating prevention strategies. With a few basic adjustments, you can enjoy your summer fun and protect your hearing health.
Is summer actually that noisy?
Summer might be one of those times of year in which noise risks are easiest to miss. Some of the most common dangerously loud noises include the following:
- Routine use of power tools: Summer is an excellent 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.
- Routine lawn care: This might include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. The powerful motors in most of these mechanical tools are incredibly loud. It’s worth pointing out that totally electric motors are usually quieter.
- Driving: If you’re driving with the windows down, the wind noise can reach harmful volumes in your ears and this is even more significant if you drive a convertible. And the risk becomes exponentially worse the longer you are exposed.
- Fireworks events: Many areas have fireworks displays every month or more during the summer. From neighborhood gatherings to holiday festivities to sporting events, fireworks displays are everywhere during the summer months. Unfortunately, fireworks are extremely loud and can certainly cause damage to your hearing.
- Sporting events: Any time you’re in noisy crowds, you may increase your risk of noise damage (this can be even more relevant at sporting events that feature motorized attractions, such as a Nascar race or monster truck rally).
- Loud concerts: Even outdoor concerts have significant risks to your hearing health. These events are, after all, meant to be really loud.
The volume level that’s regarded as where damage starts 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 cause damage.
How can I prevent noise-related hearing loss?
Noise-related hearing loss impacts millions of people each year. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-related hearing loss can occur at any age. Prevention is important for this exact reason. Some of the most reliable prevention strategies include the following:
- Limit your time in noisy environments: The louder the environment, the more you should regulate your time. This can help prevent long-term damage to your hearing. Every thirty minutes or so, when you’re at a noisy sporting event, for example, go and spend some time in a quieter spot.
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Disposable earplugs aren’t as effective as more customized types, but they’re a lot better than nothing! If you find yourself suddenly in a loud environment, a cheap pair of disposable earplugs can help prevent significant hearing damage.
- Wear hearing protection: If you cannot avoid loud environments (or don’t want to miss out on particular enjoyable activities), you can invest in a set of quality ear muffs or ear plugs. Use this hearing protection whenever you need to, when you are in environments that are loud. This can help prevent damage. You can be particularly benefited by using hearing protection costume made for you.
- Get your hearing checked: Hearing loss usually doesn’t develop all of a sudden. It could take years to detect in many cases. Getting your hearing examined can help you identify whether you have noise-related 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.
- Turn down the volume at home: Simply lowering the volume on your TV and music playing devices can help give your ears some rest and a chance to recover. Damage will develop more rapidly if you’re always listening to your devices at a high volume.
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: You might be surprised at just how fast sounds can increase above that 85dB danger zone volume. Even your earbuds and headphones can start to do damage at these volume levels. You can become more conscious of when volume levels start to get too loud by downloading a volume monitoring app for your cellphone.
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): Spend a quieter next day after going to a fireworks display. Additional and more substantial damage can be prevented by giving your ears a chance to rest and recover.
Noise-related hearing loss is not inevitable. You’re hearing can be maintained by utilizing prevention strategies. With the correct strategy, you can enjoy all that summer, or any other season, has to offer and safeguard your hearing.
Talking to us can help begin your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!