The typical summer day is usually filled with fun activities and happenings, from motorcycle rides to family outings to fireworks to sporting events. And while most of these activities are safe, many can present invisible risks to your hearing health. That’s because loud noises, over time, can damage your ability to hear. This hearing damage could be caused by anything from the roar of a motorcycle engine to the booms of a fireworks show.
What is noise-induced hearing loss? This condition occurs when extremely loud noises, over time, cause damage to your hearing. As a result, you experience hearing loss. Noise-related hearing loss is effectively irreversible.
Although this kind of hearing loss has no cure, it can be successfully managed. Over the long run, you can safeguard your hearing and avoid damage by being aware of prevalent sources of loud noise and formulating prevention strategies. With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy your summer fun and protect your hearing health.
Is summer really that noisy?
Summer might be one of those times of year in which noise risks are easiest to miss. Here are some of the most prevalent and also most dangerous:
- Routine lawn care: This could include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. These tools have very loud powerful motors. Motors that run on electricity rather than gas are typically quite a bit quieter, though.
- Fireworks events: Many places have fireworks displays every month 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 irreversible hearing damage.
- Driving: If you’re driving with the windows down, the wind noise can reach hazardous volumes in your ears and this is even more significant if you drive a convertible. And the risk becomes exponentially worse the longer you are exposed.
- Loud concerts: Even outside concerts have considerable risks to your hearing health. After all, these events are designed to be as loud as possible.
- Routine use of power tools: Home improvement projects are perfect activities during the summer. But it’s important to remember that all of those power tools can be quite noisy. The more you use these tools, the more your hearing risk increases.
- Sporting events: Crowd noise can harm your hearing, especially at events such as auto racing or monster truck rallies.
The volume level that’s regarded as where damage begins to occur is about 85 dB. This is about the volume 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 that doesn’t mean that such volumes won’t result in damage.
How can I prevent noise-related hearing loss?
Noise-induced hearing loss effects millions of people every year. Noise-related hearing loss can occur at any age, unlike age-related hearing loss. That’s why prevention is so important. Here are a few of the most practical prevention strategies:
- Get your hearing checked: Hearing loss normally doesn’t happen all of a sudden. Many individuals won’t detect the symptoms for months or years. Often, the only way to find out whether you have any noise-induced hearing loss is to have your hearing examined. We’ll be able to discuss how to counter additional damage, which treatment options might be appropriate, and how to keep your hearing as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
- Turn down the volume at home: Simply lowering the volume on your TV and music playing devices can help give your ears some quiet and a chance to recuperate. When everything is loud all the time, damage can develop much faster.
- 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 loud situations. Wear this hearing protection whenever you need to, when you are in situations that are noisy. Damage can be avoided in this way. You can be especially benefited by making use of hearing protection costume designed for you.
- 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 level. Even your earbuds and headphones can start to do damage at these volume levels. There are many 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: 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 set of disposable earplugs can help prevent significant hearing damage.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: The louder the environment, the more you should limit your time. This can help prevent long-term damage to your ears. If you’re at a loud sporting event, for example, go to a quieter area every thirty minutes or so.
- 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 a chance to rest and recuperate.
Noise-related hearing loss is not unavoidable. You’re hearing can be maintained by utilizing prevention strategies. With the correct 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!
