From sporting events to family gatherings to fireworks shows to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with enjoyable experiences. And while most of these activities are safe, many can present hidden risks to your hearing health. That’s because loud noises, over time, can damage your ability to hear. A loud motorcycle engine or a roaring crowd could be contributing to long-term, noise-induced hearing loss.
Over time, really loud noises can trigger damage to your ears. As a consequence, you experience hearing loss. This kind of hearing loss is irreversible.
There is no cure, though this type of hearing loss can be successfully controlled. Over the long run, you can safeguard your hearing and avoid damage by being aware of common sources of loud noise and developing prevention strategies. You can protect the health of your hearing while still enjoying summer fun by making use of a few basic adjustments.
Is it actually that loud during the summer?
Summer might be one of those times of year where noise hazards are easiest to miss. Here are some of the most common and also most dangerous:
- 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 totally 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 relevant at sporting events that feature motorized attractions, including a Nascar race or monster truck rally).
- Loud concerts: Even outside concerts have substantial 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 hazardous volumes in your ears and this is even more pertinent if you drive a convertible. This is especially true if the sound happens for long periods without breaks.
- Routine use of power tools: Home improvement projects are ideal activities during the summer. But it’s crucial to keep in mind that all of those power tools can be quite noisy. Your hearing health is in increasing danger the more you utilize these tools.
- Fireworks events: Many places have fireworks displays monthly or more during the summer. From neighborhood get-togethers to holiday celebrations to sporting events, fireworks shows are everywhere during the summer months. But fireworks shows are easily loud enough to cause irreversible hearing damage.
In general, sounds louder than 85dB are considered to be damaging. This is about the volume of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. These sounds might not seem particularly loud so this is significant to note. But the volume of these devices can cause hearing damage over time.
Preventing noise-induced hearing damage
Noise-induced hearing loss effects millions of people each year. Noise-related hearing loss can occur at any age, unlike age-related hearing loss. Prevention is important for this precise reason. Some of the most effective prevention strategies include the following:
- Limit your time in noisy environments: The more noisy the environment, the more you should regulate your time. This can help prevent long-term damage to your ears. Every thirty minutes or so, when you’re at a noisy sporting event, for example, go and spend some time in a quieter area.
- 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 an opportunity to rest and recuperate.
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: 85 dB might not seem like a lot, but you would probably be surprised how fast sounds can escalate above that minimum threshold. Even your earbuds and headphones can begin to do damage at these volume levels. There are numerous reliable apps available for smartphones that can help you track ambient noise levels, so you can be more aware of when your surroundings become dangerous to your hearing.
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Using disposable earplugs might 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 noisy environment all of a sudden.
- Get your hearing checked: Sometimes, hearing loss sneaks up on you very slowly. Many people won’t detect the symptoms for months or years. Having your hearing checked 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 solutions for any hearing loss you may already have.
- Wear hearing protection: Keep a set of ear plugs or ear muffs handy in case you can’t or aren’t willing to avoid certain noisy situations. 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 utilizing hearing protection costume made for you.
- Turn down the volume at home: Your ears can get a rest by simply lowering the volume on your devices. Damage will develop faster if you’re always listening to your devices at a loud volume.
Noise-induced hearing loss is not inevitable. Prevention strategies can help preserve your hearing. You can safeguard your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the correct strategy.
Talking to us can help start your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!