The average summer day is likely filled with fun experiences and happenings, from motorcycle rides to family outings to fireworks to sporting events. 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 permanent hearing damage. A loud motorcycle engine or a roaring crowd could be causing long-term, noise-induced hearing loss.
Over time, really loud noises can cause damage to your ears. As a consequence, you experience hearing loss. This kind of hearing loss is irreversible.
There is no cure, but this type of hearing loss can be effectively managed. Over the long run, you can safeguard your hearing and prevent damage by being aware of prevalent sources of loud noise and formulating prevention strategies. With a few basic adjustments, you can enjoy your summer fun and safeguard 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 some of the most prevalent and also most harmful:
- Routine use of power tools: Home improvement projects are great activities during the summer. 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.
- Sporting events: Crowd noise can damage your hearing, particularly at events like auto racing or monster truck rallies.
- Routine lawn care: This may include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. The powerful motors in many of these mechanical tools are incredibly loud. Motors that run on electricity instead of gas are normally quite a bit quieter, though.
- Loud concerts: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they’re outdoor concerts. After all, these events are designed to be as loud as possible.
- Driving: 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 tough on your ears. And the risk becomes dramatically worse the longer you are exposed.
- Fireworks events: Many places have fireworks displays monthly or more during the summer. From neighborhood get-togethers to holiday festivities to sporting events, fireworks displays are everywhere during the summer months. But fireworks shows are easily loud enough to trigger permanent hearing damage.
The volume level that’s regarded as where damage begins to happen is about 85 dB. This is around the volume of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. That’s important to note because these sounds might not seem particularly noisy. But that doesn’t mean that such volumes won’t result in damage.
How can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
Noise-related hearing loss effects millions of individuals each year. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-related hearing loss can present at any age. That’s why prevention is so essential. Here are a few of the most helpful prevention strategies:
- Get your hearing checked: In some cases, hearing loss creeps up on you quite gradually. It could take years to detect in many circumstances. Often, the only way to find out whether you have any noise-induced hearing loss is to get your hearing examined. We’ll be able to go over how to avoid additional damage, which treatment solutions may 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. If you’re at a loud sporting event, for example, go to a quieter area every thirty minutes or so.
- Wear hearing protection: If you can’t avoid loud environments (or don’t want to miss out on particular fun activities), you can get a set of good ear muffs or ear plugs. When you’re in environments that are too noisy, use this protection to your advantage. Damage can be avoided in this way. You can be especially benefited by making use of hearing protection costume made for you.
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Utilizing 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 loud setting all of a sudden.
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: You might be surprised at just how fast sounds can escalate above that 85dB danger zone volume. Even your earbuds and headphones can start to do damage at these volume levels. You can become more conscious of when volume levels start to get too loud by downloading a volume monitoring app for your cellphone.
- Turn down the volume at home: Your ears can get a rest by simply turning down the volume on your devices. Damage will advance more rapidly if you’re always listening to your devices at a loud volume.
- 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 prevented by giving your ears a chance to rest and recover.
Noise-related hearing loss isn’t unavoidable. Prevention strategies can help maintain your hearing. With the proper strategy, you can enjoy all that summer, or any other season, has to offer and protect your hearing.
Consulting with us can help begin your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!