From sporting events to family get-togethers to fireworks shows to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with enjoyable experiences. The majority of these activities are completely safe and healthy, but some do come with a risk of noise-related hearing loss. Over time, the loud noises that accompany some of these activities can result in irreversible hearing damage. This hearing damage could be due to anything from a roaring motorcycle engine to the booms of a fireworks show.
Over time, very loud noises can cause damage to your ears. The consequence of this exposure is loss of hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss is effectively irreversible.
Even though this type of hearing loss can’t be cured, it can be effectively treated. Raising your awareness of these common loud noises can help you better control risks and formulate prevention strategies, so you can protect your hearing over the long run. With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy your summer fun and safeguard your hearing health.
Is it actually 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: Summer is a perfect time for home improvement projects. But it’s significant to keep in mind that all of those power tools can be rather noisy. The more you utilize these tools, the more your hearing risk increases.
- Loud concerts: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they’re outside concerts. These events are, after all, meant to be really loud.
- 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 trigger irreversible hearing damage.
- Routine lawn care: This category includes chainsaws, weed wackers, leaf blowers, and lawnmowers. These tools have very loud powerful motors. It’s worth pointing out that entirely electric motors are usually quieter.
- Sporting events: Crowd noise can damage your hearing, especially at events such as auto racing or monster truck rallies.
- Driving: Going for a Sunday drive is very popular, but the wind rushing through your windows (or all around you if you’re driving a convertible) can be hard on your ears. And the risk becomes dramatically worse the longer you are exposed.
The volume level that’s considered to be where damage begins to happen is around 85 dB. This is about the volume of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. These sounds may not seem especially 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?
Every year, millions of individuals are affected by hearing loss. Noise-related hearing loss can occur at any age, unlike age-related hearing loss. Prevention is significant for this precise reason. Here are some of the most helpful prevention strategies:
- Turn down the volume at home: Simply turning down the volume on your TV and music playing devices can help give your ears some rest and a chance to recover. When everything is loud all the time, damage can develop more quickly.
- 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 quickly start 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: Utilizing disposable earplugs may not be as effective as customized earplugs but, in a pinch, they’re better than no protection at all. 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 normally doesn’t develop suddenly. Many individuals won’t notice the symptoms for months or years. Often, the only way to determine whether you have any noise-induced hearing loss is to have your hearing examined. We’ll be able to talk about how to prevent further damage, which treatment solutions might be appropriate, and how to keep your hearing as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: The louder the environment, the more you should limit your 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 went to a loud fireworks show, make sure your next day is a quiet one. This can give your ears more time to recover and prevent further and more substantial damage.
- Wear hearing protection: If you can’t avoid noisy environments (or don’t want to miss out on certain enjoyable activities), you can get a set of good ear muffs or ear plugs. When you’re in locations that are too noisy, use this protection to your advantage. This can help you avoid damage. You can be especially benefited by making use of hearing protection costume made for you.
Noise-related hearing loss isn’t unavoidable. You’re hearing can be preserved by making use of prevention strategies. You can protect your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the proper strategy.
Start your journey towards better hearing by contacting us for an appointment.
