The average summer day is usually filled with fun activities and happenings, from motorcycle rides to family outings to fireworks to sporting events. Most of these activities are completely safe and healthy, but there are some that do come with a risk of noise-related hearing loss. That’s because loud noises, over time, can harm your ability to hear. This hearing damage could be the result of anything from the roar of a motorcycle engine to the booms of a fireworks show.
Over time, extremely loud noises can trigger damage to your ears. The consequence of this exposure is loss of hearing. This kind of hearing loss is irreversible.
There is no cure, but this form of hearing loss can be successfully managed. Raising your awareness of these prevalent loud noises can help you better control risks and establish prevention strategies, so you can safeguard your hearing over the long run. You can protect the health of your hearing while still enjoying summer fun by using a few simple adjustments.
Is it really that loud during the summer?
It can be very easy to overlook noise hazards during the summer months. Here are some of the most prevalent and also most harmful:
- Fireworks events: Many towns have fireworks displays every month or more during the summer. They take place at holiday celebrations, sporting events, and impromptu neighborhood gatherings. Unfortunately, fireworks are extremely loud and can certainly cause damage to your ears.
- Routine use of power tools: Home improvement projects are great activities during the summer. But power tools, in general, tend to be really loud. Your hearing health is in increasing danger the more you use these tools.
- Sporting events: Crowd noise can harm your hearing, especially at events like auto racing or monster truck rallies.
- Driving: Taking a Sunday drive is very popular, but the wind rushing through your windows (or all around you if you’re driving a convertible) can be tough on your ears. And the risk becomes exponentially worse the longer you are exposed.
- Loud concerts: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they’re outdoor concerts. These events are, after all, meant to be really loud.
- Routine lawn care: Included in this category are chainsaws, weed wackers, leaf blowers, and lawnmowers. The powerful motors in most of these mechanical tools are extremely loud. It’s worth pointing out that purely electric motors are often quieter.
The volume level that’s considered to be where damage starts to happen is around 85 dB. This is about the volume of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. That’s significant to note because these sounds may not seem particularly noisy. But the volume of these devices can cause hearing damage over time.
How can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
Noise-induced hearing loss impacts millions of people every year. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss can happen at any age. Prevention is important for this exact reason. Here are some of the most helpful prevention strategies:
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Disposable earplugs aren’t as reliable as more customized types, but they’re much better than nothing! If you find yourself suddenly in a loud environment, a cheap pair of disposable earplugs can help prevent significant hearing damage.
- Get your hearing checked: Sometimes, hearing loss creeps up on you really slowly. Many people won’t detect the symptoms for months or years. Frequently, the only way to determine whether you have any noise-induced hearing loss is to have your hearing examined. We’ll be able to talk about how to prevent additional damage, which treatment solutions may be appropriate, and how to keep your hearing as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
- 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 quickly begin damaging your hearing. You can become more conscious of when volume levels start to get too high by downloading a volume monitoring app for your cellphone.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: If your environment is really noisy, you need to regulate your exposure 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 area.
- Turn down the volume at home: Your ears can get a rest by simply decreasing the volume on your devices. When everything is loud all the time, damage can advance much faster.
- Wear hearing protection: If you can’t avoid loud situations (or don’t want to miss out on certain fun activities), you can invest in a set of quality ear muffs or ear plugs. When you’re in environments that are too noisy, use this protection to your advantage. This can help prevent damage. Custom hearing protection devices personalized to your ears and your hearing can be especially effective.
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): Spend a quieter next day after attending a fireworks display. This can give your ears more time to recover and avoid further and more substantial damage.
Noise-induced hearing loss is not inevitable. Prevention strategies can help maintain your hearing. You can safeguard your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the proper approach.
Talking to us can help start your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!