The typical summer day is likely filled with fun experiences and happenings, from motorcycle rides to family outings to fireworks to sporting events. And while the majority 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 experiences can lead to permanent 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. As a result, you experience hearing loss. This kind of hearing loss is irreversible.
Although this kind of hearing loss can’t be cured, it can be successfully managed. Increasing your awareness of these prevalent loud noises can help you better manage risks and formulate prevention strategies, so you can safeguard your hearing over the long run. You can safeguard the health of your hearing while still enjoying summer fun by using a few simple adjustments.
Is it actually that loud during the summer?
It can be very easy to miss noise risks during the summer months. Some of the most prevalent dangerously loud noises include the following:
- Routine use of power tools: Summer is a perfect time for home improvement projects. But power tools, in general, are often quite loud. The more you utilize these tools, the more your hearing risk increases.
- Loud concerts: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they are outdoor concerts. After all, these events are designed to be as loud as possible.
- Routine lawn care: This may include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. The powerful motors in many of these mechanical tools are very loud. It’s worth noting that totally electric motors are often quieter.
- Driving: If you’re driving with the windows down, the wind noise can reach harmful volumes in your ears and this is even more pertinent if you drive a convertible. This is particularly true if the sound happens for long intervals without breaks.
- Sporting events: Any time you’re in 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).
- 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. Regrettably, fireworks are incredibly loud and can certainly cause damage to your hearing.
The volume level that’s considered to be where damage starts to occur is around 85 dB. This is about the range of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. 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.
How can I prevent noise-related hearing loss?
Noise-induced hearing loss impacts millions of individuals every year. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-related hearing loss can present at any age. That’s why prevention is so significant. Here are a few of the most practical prevention strategies:
- Get your hearing checked: Hearing loss usually doesn’t happen suddenly. It could take years to notice in many circumstances. Getting your hearing examined can help you determine whether you have noise-induced hearing loss. We’ll be able to discuss how to avoid further damage, which treatment solutions might be appropriate, and how to keep your hearing as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Disposable earplugs aren’t as reliable as more customized types, but they’re far better than nothing! If you find yourself suddenly in a noisy environment, a cheap set of disposable earplugs can help prevent substantial hearing damage.
- Turn down the volume at home: Simply turning down 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 progress more quickly.
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: 85 dB might not seem like a lot, but you would most likely 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 ears. There are many reliable apps available for smartphones that can help you monitor ambient noise levels, so you can be more aware of when your surroundings become dangerous to your hearing.
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): If you attended a loud fireworks display, make sure your next day is a quiet one. This can give your ears more time to recover and avoid further and more significant damage.
- Wear hearing protection: Keep a set of ear plugs or ear muffs on hand in case you can’t or are not willing to avoid certain noisy situations. When you are in settings that are too noisy, use this protection to your advantage. This can help you avoid damage. You can be particularly benefited by using hearing protection costume designed for you.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: If your environment is really loud, you need to regulate your exposure time. This can help prevent long-term damage to your hearing. Every thirty minutes or so, when you’re at a loud sporting event, for instance, go and spend some time in a less noisy area.
Noise-induced hearing loss is not inevitable. You’re hearing can be preserved by using prevention strategies. You can protect your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the right strategy.
Begin your journey towards better hearing by contacting us for an appointment.