From sporting events to family get-togethers to fireworks displays to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with enjoyable activities. And while the majority of these activities are healthy, many can present hidden risks to your hearing health. Over time, the loud noises that come with some of these experiences can cause permanent hearing damage. A loud motorcycle engine or the roar of a crowd could be contributing to long-term, noise-related hearing loss.
What is noise-induced hearing loss? This condition happens when extremely loud noises, over time, cause damage to your hearing. The consequence of this exposure is loss of hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss is effectively permanent.
Even though this kind of hearing loss can’t be cured, it can be successfully managed. Raising your awareness of these prevalent loud noises can help you better manage risks and formulate prevention strategies, so you can safeguard your hearing over the long run. With a few simple 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 hazards are easiest to overlook. Here are a few of the most prevalent and also most harmful:
- Fireworks events: Summer has lots of fireworks. From neighborhood parties to holiday celebrations to sporting events, fireworks displays are everywhere during the summer months. Unfortunately, fireworks are extremely loud and can certainly cause damage to your ears.
- Driving: Going for a Sunday drive is incredibly popular, but the wind rushing through your windows (or all around you if you happen to be driving a convertible) can be hard on your ears. And the risk becomes exponentially worse the longer you are exposed.
- Loud concerts: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they are outside concerts. These events are, after all, meant to be quite loud.
- Routine lawn care: Included in this category are chainsaws, weed wackers, leaf blowers, and lawnmowers. These tools have really 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.
- Routine use of power tools: Summer is a great time for home improvement projects. But power tools, in general, tend to be quite loud. Your hearing health is in increasing risk the more you use these tools.
The volume level that’s regarded as where damage begins to happen is about 85 dB. This is about the range of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. These sounds might 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-related hearing loss?
Noise-induced hearing loss impacts millions of individuals every year. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss can occur at any age. Prevention is significant for this precise reason. Some of the most effective prevention strategies include the following:
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): Spend a quieter next day after going to a fireworks display. This can give your ears more time to recuperate and avoid further and more substantial damage.
- Turn down the volume at home: Your ears can get a break by simply decreasing the volume on your devices. Damage will advance faster if you’re always listening to your devices at a high volume.
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Disposable earplugs aren’t as reliable as more customized types, but they’re much better than nothing! If you find yourself suddenly in a loud environment, a cheap set of disposable earplugs can help prevent significant hearing damage.
- Wear hearing protection: If you can’t avoid noisy situations (or don’t want to miss out on certain enjoyable activities), you can invest in a pair of quality ear muffs or ear plugs. When you are in environments that are too noisy, use this protection to your advantage. Damage can be avoided in this way. You can be particularly benefited by making use of hearing protection costume made for you.
- 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. Even your earbuds and headphones can start to do damage at these volume levels. You can become more aware of when volume levels begin to get too high by downloading a volume monitoring app for your cellphone.
- Get your hearing checked: In some cases, hearing loss sneaks up on you quite gradually. It could take years to detect in many circumstances. Having your hearing examined can help you determine whether you have noise-induced hearing loss. We’ll be able to discuss how to counter additional 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: If your environment is really loud, you should regulate your exposure time. This can help protect against long-term damage to your ears. If you’re at a noisy sporting event, for example, go to a quieter area every thirty minutes or so.
You don’t need to resign yourself to having noise-induced hearing loss. You’re hearing can be preserved by using prevention strategies. You can safeguard your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the correct strategy.
Start your journey towards better hearing by giving us a call for an appointment.