The average summer day is likely filled with fun activities and happenings, from motorcycle rides to family outings to fireworks to sporting events. The majority of these activities are completely safe and healthy, but there are some that do come with a risk of noise-related hearing loss. Over time, the loud noises that accompany some of these experiences can lead to permanent hearing damage. A loud motorcycle engine or the roar of a crowd could be contributing to long-term, noise-related hearing loss.
Over time, extremely loud noises can cause damage to your ears. 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 successfully treated. Raising your awareness of these common loud noises can help you better manage risks and develop prevention strategies, so you can protect your hearing over the long run. 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 overlook noise risks during the summer months. Here are some of the most prevalent and also most harmful:
- Fireworks events: Many places have fireworks displays monthly or more during the summer. From neighborhood gatherings to holiday celebrations to sporting events, fireworks displays are everywhere during the summer months. But fireworks shows are easily loud enough to trigger irreversible hearing damage.
- Loud concerts: Even outside concerts have significant hazards to your hearing health. These events are, after all, meant to be quite loud.
- Sporting events: Any time you’re in loud crowds, you could increase your risk of noise damage (this can be even more relevant at sporting events that feature motorized attractions, such as a Nascar race or monster truck rally).
- Routine lawn care: This may include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. The powerful motors in many of these mechanical tools are extremely loud. Motors that run on electricity instead of gas are usually quite a bit quieter, though.
- Driving: Going for 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 hard on your ears. And the risk becomes exponentially worse the longer you’re exposed.
- Routine use of power tools: Summer is a great time for home improvement projects. But it’s significant to remember that all of those power tools can be rather noisy. The more you use these tools, the more your hearing risk increases.
In general, sounds above 85dB are considered to be damaging. A typical hair dryer, blender, or lawnmower is around this volume. These sounds may not seem especially loud so this is important to note. But that doesn’t mean that such volumes won’t cause damage.
How can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
Each year, millions of individuals are impacted by hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss can occur at any age, unlike age-related hearing loss. Prevention is important for this precise reason. Some of the most reliable prevention strategies include the following:
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: 85 dB might 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 quickly start damaging your hearing. There are many reliable apps available for smartphones that can help you track ambient noise levels, so you can be more mindful of when your surroundings become dangerous to your hearing.
- Turn down the volume at home: Your ears can get a break by simply decreasing the volume on your devices. When everything is loud all the time, damage can advance more quickly.
- 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 avoided by giving your ears a chance to rest and recuperate.
- Get your hearing checked: Sometimes, hearing loss sneaks up on you really gradually. Many individuals won’t notice the symptoms for months or years. Frequently, the only way to find out whether you have any noise-induced hearing loss is to have your hearing checked. We will help you comprehend how to keep your hearing healthy for years to come and discuss treatment solutions for any hearing loss you may already have.
- 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. When you’re in settings that are too noisy, use this protection to your advantage. Damage can be avoided in this way. You can be particularly benefited by utilizing hearing protection costume designed for you.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: The more noisy the environment, the more you should regulate your time. Your ears can be safeguarded from long-term damage in this way. Every thirty minutes or so, when you’re at a noisy sporting event, for example, go and spend some time in a less noisy 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 abruptly in a loud environment, a cheap set of disposable earplugs can help prevent substantial hearing damage.
You don’t need to resign yourself to getting noise-induced hearing loss. You’re hearing can be maintained by making use of prevention strategies. You can safeguard your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the proper approach.
Begin your journey towards better hearing by contacting us for an appointment.
