From sporting events to family get-togethers to fireworks displays to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with fun activities. And while the majority of these activities are safe, many can present hidden risks to your hearing health. Over time, the loud noises that accompany some of these experiences can cause irreversible hearing damage. A loud motorcycle engine or a roaring crowd could be contributing to long-term, noise-related hearing loss.
Over time, extremely loud noises can cause damage to your ears. The result of this exposure is loss of hearing. Noise-related hearing loss is effectively permanent.
Although this type of hearing loss can’t be cured, it can be effectively managed. Over the long run, you can protect your hearing and avoid damage by being aware of common 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 actually that loud during the summer?
It can be really easy to miss noise risks during the summer months. Some of the most prevalent hazardously loud noises include the following:
- Sporting events: Crowd noise can harm your hearing, especially at events like auto racing or monster truck rallies.
- Routine lawn care: Included in this category are chainsaws, weed wackers, leaf blowers, and lawnmowers. These tools have really loud powerful motors. It’s worth pointing out that entirely electric motors are often quieter.
- Fireworks events: Summer has lots of fireworks. They take place at holiday celebrations, sporting events, and impromptu neighborhood gatherings. Unfortunately, fireworks are extremely loud and can definitely cause damage to your ears.
- Driving: A Sunday drive is incredibly 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. And the risk becomes exponentially worse the longer you are exposed.
- Routine use of power tools: Summer is an excellent time for home improvement projects. But power tools, in general, are typically really loud. Your hearing health is in increasing danger the more you utilize these tools.
- Loud concerts: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they’re outdoor concerts. After all, these events are planned to be as loud as possible.
The volume level that’s regarded as where damage starts to occur is about 85 dB. The average hair dryer, blender, or lawnmower is about this volume. That’s significant to note because these sounds might not seem particularly noisy. But the volume of these devices can cause hearing damage over time.
Preventing noise-induced hearing damage
Noise-induced hearing loss effects millions of individuals each year. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss can present at any age. Prevention is important for this precise reason. Here are some of the most helpful prevention strategies:
- Limit your time in noisy environments: The louder the environment, the more you should regulate your time. Your ears can be protected from long-term damage in this way. Every thirty minutes or so, when you’re at a loud sporting event, for instance, go and spend some time in a quieter spot.
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Disposable earplugs aren’t as effective 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 substantial hearing damage.
- 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 avoid further and more substantial damage.
- 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 increase above that minimum threshold. At these volume levels, even your headphones or earbuds can rapidly begin damaging your hearing. You can become more conscious of when volume levels begin to get too loud by downloading a volume monitoring app for your cellphone.
- Wear hearing protection: Keep a pair of ear plugs or ear muffs handy in case you can’t or are not willing to avoid certain noisy situations. When you’re in environments that are too loud, use this protection to your advantage. This can help prevent damage. Custom hearing protection devices personalized to your ears and your hearing can be particularly effective.
- Get your hearing checked: Hearing loss normally doesn’t develop all of a sudden. It could take years to notice in many instances. Often, the only way to determine whether you have any noise-related hearing loss is to get your hearing checked. We’ll be able to talk about how to counter additional damage, which treatment solutions may be appropriate, and how to keep your hearing as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
- Turn down the volume at home: Your ears can get a break by simply turning down the volume on your devices. When everything is loud all the time, damage can advance more quickly.
You don’t need to resign yourself to getting noise-induced hearing loss. Prevention strategies can help maintain your hearing. With the right 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!