From sporting events to family get-togethers to fireworks shows to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with enjoyable experiences. 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 activities can cause irreversible hearing damage. A loud motorcycle engine or the roar of a crowd could be causing long-term, noise-related hearing loss.
Over time, extremely loud noises can trigger damage to your ears. The consequence of this exposure is loss of hearing. This type of hearing loss is irreversible.
There is no cure, but this form of hearing loss can be effectively controlled. Over the long run, you can protect your hearing and avoid damage by being aware of prevalent sources of loud noise and developing prevention strategies. With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy your summer fun and protect your hearing health.
Is it really that loud during the summer?
Summer may 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 dangerous:
- Sporting events: Any time you’re around loud crowds, you could 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).
- 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 trigger irreversible hearing damage.
- Routine use of power tools: Summer is a great time for home improvement projects. But it’s crucial to remember that all of those power tools can be rather noisy. Your hearing health is in increasing danger the more you utilize these tools.
- Loud concerts: Even outdoor concerts have considerable risks to your hearing health. These events are, after all, intended to be really loud.
- Routine lawn care: This could include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. The powerful motors in many of these mechanical tools are extremely loud. It’s worth pointing out that entirely electric motors are usually quieter.
- Driving: Taking a Sunday drive is incredibly popular, but the wind rushing into 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’re exposed.
Generally speaking, sounds louder than 85dB are considered to be harmful. A typical hair dryer, blender, or lawnmower is around this volume. That’s important to take note of because these sounds might not seem particularly noisy. But the volume of these devices can result in hearing damage over time.
Preventing noise-related hearing damage
Every year, millions of people are impacted by hearing loss. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss can present at any age. That’s why prevention is so important. Some of the most effective prevention strategies include the following:
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Disposable earplugs aren’t as reliable 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 substantial hearing damage.
- 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 increase above that minimum threshold. At these volume levels, even your headphones or earbuds can quickly begin harming your hearing. You can become more conscious of when volume levels start to get too high by downloading a volume monitoring app for your cellphone.
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): If you attended a loud fireworks display, make sure your next day is a quiet one. Additional and more significant damage can be prevented by giving your ears an opportunity to rest and recuperate.
- Get your hearing checked: In some cases, hearing loss creeps up on you quite slowly. Many individuals won’t notice the symptoms for months or years. Having your hearing examined can help you identify whether you have noise-related hearing loss. We will help you understand how to keep your hearing healthy for years to come and discuss treatment options for any hearing loss you might already have.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: The more noisy the environment, the more you should limit your time. Your ears can be safeguarded from long-term damage in this way. If you’re at a noisy sporting event, for instance, walk to a quieter area every thirty minutes or so.
- Wear hearing protection: Keep a pair of ear plugs or ear muffs on hand in case you can’t or aren’t willing to avoid specific noisy situations. When you are in locations that are too loud, use this protection to your advantage. This can help you avoid damage. Custom hearing protection devices tailored to your ears and your hearing can be particularly effective.
- 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 recuperate. When everything is loud all the time, damage can develop more quickly.
You don’t need to resign yourself to having noise-related hearing loss. You’re hearing can be preserved by making use of prevention strategies. You can safeguard your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the proper strategy.
Talking to us can help start your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!
