The average summer day is likely filled with fun activities and happenings, from motorcycle rides to family outings to fireworks to sporting events. And while most 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 result in irreversible 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 excessively loud noises, over time, trigger damage to your hearing. The consequence of this exposure is loss of hearing. This kind of hearing loss is irreversible.
Even though this kind of hearing loss has no cure, it 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 developing prevention strategies. With a few basic adjustments, you can enjoy your summer fun and protect your hearing health.
Is it really that loud during the summer?
It can be quite easy to miss noise risks during the summer months. Some of the most prevalent hazardously loud noises include the following:
- Sporting events: Any time you’re around noisy crowds, you could increase your risk of noise damage (this can be even more prevalent at sporting events that feature motorized attractions, such as a Nascar race or monster truck rally).
- Routine use of power tools: Summer is a perfect time for home improvement projects. But it’s important to keep in mind that all of those power tools can be rather noisy. Your hearing health is in increasing risk the more you use these tools.
- Fireworks events: Summer is full of fireworks. From neighborhood parties to holiday festivities to sporting events, fireworks displays are everywhere during the summer months. Regrettably, fireworks are extremely loud and can certainly cause damage to your ears.
- Driving: If you’re driving with the windows down, the wind noise can reach hazardous volumes in your ears and this is even more pertinent if you drive a convertible. This is particularly true if the sound occurs for long intervals without breaks.
- Routine lawn care: Included in this category are chainsaws, weed wackers, leaf blowers, and lawnmowers. These tools have very loud powerful motors. Motors that run on electricity rather than gas are normally much quieter, though.
- Loud concerts: Even outdoor concerts present substantial hazards to your hearing health. After all, these events are planned to be as loud as possible.
In general, sounds louder than 85dB are considered to be damaging. The average hair dryer, blender, or lawnmower is about this volume. That’s significant to be aware of because these sounds may not feel particularly noisy. But the volume of these devices can cause hearing damage over time.
Preventing noise-induced hearing damage
Noise-related hearing loss effects millions of individuals each year. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-related hearing loss can happen at any age. That’s why prevention is so important. Some of the most effective prevention strategies include the following:
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: You might be surprised at just how quickly sounds can increase above that 85dB danger zone level. At these volume levels, even your headphones or earbuds can quickly start harming your hearing. You can become more aware of when volume levels start to get too loud by downloading a volume monitoring app for your cellphone.
- Turn down the volume at home: Simply reducing 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 more quickly.
- 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 prevent further and more significant damage.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: The louder the environment, the more you should limit your time. This can help avoid long-term damage to your ears. If you’re at a noisy sporting event, for instance, go to a quieter spot every thirty minutes or so.
- Wear hearing protection: Keep a set of ear plugs or ear muffs handy in case you can’t or are not willing to avoid certain noisy situations. Use this hearing protection whenever you need to, when you are in environments that are noisy. This can help prevent damage. You can be especially benefited by utilizing hearing protection costume designed for you.
- Get your hearing checked: Sometimes, hearing loss sneaks up on you very gradually. Many individuals won’t detect the symptoms for months or years. Having your hearing checked can help you identify whether you have noise-related hearing loss. We’ll be able to discuss how to counter further damage, which treatment solutions may be appropriate, and how to keep your hearing as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Using disposable earplugs might not be as effective as customized earplugs but, in a pinch, they’re better than no protection at all. If you find yourself abruptly in a loud environment, a cheap set of disposable earplugs can help prevent significant hearing damage.
You don’t need to resign yourself to having noise-induced hearing loss. Prevention strategies can help preserve your hearing. You can safeguard your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the proper approach.
Talking to us can help begin your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!