The average summer day is usually filled with fun experiences and happenings, from motorcycle rides to family reunions to fireworks to sporting events. Most 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 accompany some of these activities can lead to permanent hearing damage. A loud motorcycle engine or a roaring crowd could be causing long-term, noise-related hearing loss.
Over time, very loud noises can trigger damage to your ears. As a consequence, you experience hearing loss. This kind of hearing loss is irreversible.
Even though this type of hearing loss can’t be cured, it can be successfully managed. Over the long run, you can protect your hearing and avoid damage by being aware of common sources of loud noise and formulating prevention strategies. You can protect the health of your hearing while still enjoying summer fun by making use of a few basic adjustments.
Is summer really that noisy?
Summer might be one of those times of year where noise hazards are easiest to overlook. Some of the most common dangerously loud noises include the following:
- Routine lawn care: This may include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. The powerful motors in most of these mechanical tools are very loud. Motors that run on electricity instead of gas are typically quite a bit quieter, though.
- Routine use of power tools: Home improvement projects are perfect activities during the summer. But power tools, in general, tend to be really loud. The more you utilize these tools, the more your hearing risk increases.
- Driving: If you’re driving with the windows down, the wind noise can reach damaging volumes in your ears and this is even more pertinent if you drive a convertible. And the risk becomes exponentially worse the longer you’re exposed.
- Fireworks events: Many areas have fireworks displays every month or more during the summer. They take place at holiday celebrations, sporting events, and impromptu neighborhood gatherings. But fireworks shows are easily loud enough to cause permanent hearing damage.
- Sporting events: Any time you’re around loud 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: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they’re outside concerts. These events are, after all, intended to be quite loud.
Generally speaking, sounds above 85dB are considered to be harmful. This is about the range of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. That’s important to be aware of because these sounds might not seem particularly noisy. But the volume of these devices can cause hearing damage over time.
How can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
Every year, millions of individuals are impacted by hearing loss. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-related hearing loss can present 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. Additional and more significant damage can be avoided by giving your ears an opportunity to rest and recuperate.
- 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 abruptly in a noisy environment, a cheap pair of disposable earplugs can help prevent significant hearing damage.
- Get your hearing checked: Hearing loss typically doesn’t happen suddenly. It could take years to detect in many cases. Having your hearing checked 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 talk about treatment solutions for any hearing loss you may already have.
- 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 start to do damage at these volume levels. There are numerous reliable apps available for smartphones that can help you monitor ambient noise levels, so you can be more aware of when your surroundings become harmful to your hearing.
- Wear hearing protection: Keep a set of ear plugs or ear muffs handy in case you can’t or are not willing to avoid specific noisy situations. Use this hearing protection whenever you need to, when you are in situations that are noisy. Damage can be avoided in this way. Custom hearing protection devices personalized to your ears and your hearing can be particularly effective.
- Turn down the volume at home: Your ears can get a break by simply lowering the volume on your devices. When everything is loud all the time, damage can develop more quickly.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: The more noisy the environment, the more you should limit your time. Your ears can be protected from long-term damage in this way. If you’re at a loud sporting event, for example, walk to a quieter spot every thirty minutes or so.
Noise-induced hearing loss isn’t unavoidable. Prevention strategies can help preserve your hearing. With the correct strategy, you can enjoy all that summer, or any other season, has to offer and safeguard your hearing.
Start your journey towards better hearing by contacting us for an appointment.
