From sporting events to family get-togethers to fireworks displays to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with enjoyable experiences. Most of these activities are completely 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 the roar of a crowd could be contributing to long-term, noise-related hearing loss.
What is noise-induced hearing loss? This condition occurs when extremely loud noises, over time, trigger damage to your hearing. The result of this exposure is loss of hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss is effectively irreversible.
Although this type of hearing loss has no cure, it can be effectively treated. Over the long run, you can safeguard your hearing and prevent damage by being aware of common sources of loud noise and developing prevention strategies. You can safeguard the health of your hearing while still enjoying summer fun by utilizing a few simple adjustments.
Is it really that loud during the summer?
It can be quite easy to miss noise hazards during the summer months. Some of the most prevalent dangerously loud noises include the following:
- 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.
- Fireworks events: Many places have fireworks displays every month or more during the summer. From neighborhood get-togethers to holiday festivities to sporting events, fireworks shows are everywhere during the summer months. Regrettably, fireworks are extremely loud and can certainly cause damage to your hearing.
- Routine lawn care: This could include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. These tools have very loud powerful motors. Motors that run on electricity instead of gas are normally much quieter, though.
- Sporting events: Any time you’re around noisy 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).
- Driving: If you’re driving with the windows down, the wind noise can reach hazardous volumes in your ears and this is even more relevant if you drive a convertible. And the risk becomes exponentially worse the longer you are exposed.
- Routine use of power tools: Home improvement projects are perfect activities during the summer. But power tools, in general, are typically quite loud. Your hearing health is in increasing risk the more you use these tools.
The volume level that’s considered to be where damage starts to occur is about 85 dB. This is around the volume of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. That’s important to take note of 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-related hearing loss?
Noise-related hearing loss impacts millions of people each year. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss can present at any age. Prevention is important for this exact reason. Some of the most successful prevention strategies include the following:
- Wear hearing protection: If you can’t avoid noisy situations (or don’t want to miss out on certain fun activities), you can invest in a pair of quality ear muffs or ear plugs. Wear this hearing protection when you need to, when you are in situations that are loud. This can help prevent damage. You can be especially benefited by using hearing protection costume made for you.
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: You may be surprised at just how quickly sounds can escalate above that 85dB danger zone level. Even your earbuds and headphones can start to do damage at these volume levels. You can become more aware of when volume levels begin to get too loud by downloading a volume monitoring app for your cellphone.
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Utilizing disposable earplugs may not be as effective as customized earplugs but, in a pinch, they’re better than no protection at all. If you find yourself abruptly in a loud environment, a cheap pair 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 recover and avoid further and more significant damage.
- Get your hearing checked: In some cases, hearing loss sneaks up on you quite gradually. It could take years to detect in many instances. Frequently, the only way to find out whether you have any noise-induced hearing loss is to have your hearing examined. We’ll be able to talk about how to avoid further damage, which treatment options might be appropriate, and how to keep your hearing as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
- Turn down the volume at home: Simply turning down the volume on your TV and music playing devices can help give your ears some rest and a chance to recuperate. Damage will advance faster if you’re always listening to your devices at a loud volume.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: If your environment is really noisy, you need to limit 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 instance, go and spend some time in a less noisy spot.
Noise-induced hearing loss isn’t inevitable. Prevention strategies can help preserve your hearing. With the proper strategy, you can enjoy all that summer, or any other season, has to offer and safeguard your hearing.
Talking to us can help begin your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!