From sporting events to family gatherings to fireworks shows to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with enjoyable experiences. Most of these activities are perfectly safe and healthy, but some do come with a risk of noise-related hearing loss. That’s because loud noises, over time, can damage your ability to hear. A loud motorcycle engine or a roaring crowd could be contributing to long-term, noise-induced hearing loss.
What is noise-induced hearing loss? This condition occurs when extremely loud noises, over time, cause damage to your hearing. The consequence of this exposure is loss of hearing. Noise-related hearing loss is effectively irreversible.
There is no cure, but this type of hearing loss can be effectively controlled. 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 simple adjustments.
Is summer actually that noisy?
It can be quite easy to miss noise risks during the summer months. Here are a few of the most prevalent and also most hazardous:
- Sporting events: Any time you’re around noisy crowds, you may 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 lawn care: Included in this category are chainsaws, weed wackers, leaf blowers, and lawnmowers. These tools have very loud powerful motors. It’s worth pointing out that entirely electric motors are usually quieter.
- Loud concerts: Even outdoor concerts present significant risks to your hearing health. These events are, after all, meant to be really loud.
- Routine use of power tools: Summer is a perfect time for home improvement projects. But it’s significant to keep in mind that all of those power tools can be quite noisy. Your hearing health is in increasing danger the more you use these tools.
- Driving: Taking a Sunday drive is very popular, but the wind rushing through your windows (or all around you if you happen to be driving a convertible) can be tough on your ears. This is especially true if the sound occurs for long periods without breaks.
- Fireworks events: Summer is full of fireworks. They take place at holiday celebrations, sporting events, and impromptu neighborhood gatherings. But fireworks shows are definitely loud enough to trigger permanent hearing damage.
The volume level that’s regarded as where damage starts to happen is about 85 dB. A typical hair dryer, blender, or lawnmower is about this volume. These sounds might not seem particularly loud so this is significant to note. But that doesn’t mean that such volumes won’t result in damage.
Preventing noise-induced hearing damage
Noise-induced hearing loss effects millions of people each year. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-related hearing loss can present at any age. That’s why prevention is so important. Some of the most successful prevention strategies include the following:
- 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 recover. Damage will develop more rapidly if you’re always listening to your devices at a loud volume.
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: 85 dB may not seem like a lot, but you would probably be surprised how fast sounds can escalate above that minimum threshold. At these volume levels, even your headphones or earbuds can rapidly 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.
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): Spend a quieter next day after attending a fireworks display. Additional and more significant damage can be prevented by giving your ears a chance to rest and recover.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: If your environment is really loud, you should regulate your exposure time. Your ears can be protected from long-term damage in this way. If you’re at a noisy sporting event, for instance, go to a quieter area every thirty minutes or so.
- Get your hearing checked: Hearing loss typically doesn’t happen all of a sudden. Many individuals won’t notice the symptoms for months or years. Getting your hearing checked can help you determine whether you have noise-related hearing loss. We will help you comprehend how to keep your hearing healthy for years to come and discuss treatment solutions for any hearing loss you might already have.
- Wear hearing protection: If you can’t avoid noisy situations (or don’t want to miss out on certain fun activities), you can get a pair of good ear muffs or ear plugs. When you’re in settings that are too loud, use this protection to your advantage. Damage can be avoided in this way. Custom hearing protection devices personalized to your ears and your hearing can be particularly effective.
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Disposable earplugs aren’t as reliable as more customized types, but they’re much better than nothing! An inexpensive pair of disposable earplugs can help prevent significant damage if you find yourself in a loud environment all of a sudden.
Noise-induced hearing loss is not unavoidable. Prevention strategies can help preserve your hearing. You can safeguard your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the proper strategy.
Consulting with us can help start your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!