The typical summer day is likely filled with fun activities and happenings, from motorcycle rides to family reunions 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. Over time, the loud noises that come with some of these activities can cause permanent hearing damage. A loud motorcycle engine or the roar of a crowd could be causing long-term, noise-induced hearing loss.
What is noise-induced hearing loss? This condition occurs when excessively loud noises, over time, trigger damage to your hearing. The result of this exposure is loss of hearing. This kind of hearing loss has no cure.
Even though 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 establish prevention strategies, so you can protect your hearing over the long run. With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy your summer fun and safeguard your hearing health.
Is it really that loud during the summer?
Summer might be one of those times of year in which noise risks are easiest to miss. Some of the most prevalent hazardously loud noises include the following:
- Routine use of power tools: Summer is an ideal time for home improvement projects. But it’s significant to remember that all of those power tools can be really noisy. Your hearing health is in increasing danger the more you use these tools.
- Routine lawn care: This category includes chainsaws, weed wackers, leaf blowers, and lawnmowers. The powerful motors in many of these mechanical tools are extremely loud. Motors that run on electricity instead of gas are usually much quieter, though.
- Driving: Going for a Sunday drive is very popular, but the wind rushing into your windows (or all around you if you’re driving a convertible) can be hard on your ears. And the risk becomes exponentially worse the longer you’re exposed.
- Loud concerts: Even outdoor concerts present substantial risks to your hearing health. After all, these events are planned to be as loud as possible.
- Sporting events: Any time you’re around noisy crowds, you may increase your risk of noise damage (this can be even more relevant at sporting events that feature motorized attractions, including a Nascar race or monster truck rally).
- Fireworks events: Many areas have fireworks displays monthly or more during the summer. They happen at holiday celebrations, sporting events, and impromptu neighborhood gatherings. But fireworks shows are definitely loud enough to trigger irreversible hearing damage.
The volume level that’s considered to be where damage starts to occur is about 85 dB. This is about the range of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. These sounds might not seem especially loud so this is important to note. But that doesn’t mean that such volumes won’t result in damage.
How can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
Noise-induced hearing loss impacts millions of individuals each year. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-related hearing loss can present at any age. That’s why prevention is so significant. Some of the most reliable prevention strategies include the following:
- Turn down the volume at home: Simply lowering the volume on your TV and music playing devices can help give your ears some quiet and a chance to recover. Damage will develop more rapidly if you’re always listening to your devices at a high volume.
- Get your hearing checked: Hearing loss usually doesn’t happen all of a sudden. It could take years to notice in many instances. Getting your hearing examined can help you determine whether you have noise-related hearing loss. We’ll be able to go over 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.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: The more noisy the environment, the more you should regulate your time. Your ears can be protected from long-term damage in this way. If you’re at a loud sporting event, for instance, go to a quieter spot every thirty minutes or so.
- 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 noisy 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. Even your earbuds and headphones can begin to do damage at these volume levels. 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 set of ear plugs or ear muffs on hand in case you can’t or are not willing to avoid certain loud situations. When you are in settings that are too loud, use this protection to your advantage. This can help you avoid damage. You can be especially benefited by utilizing hearing protection costume made for you.
Noise-related hearing loss isn’t inevitable. Prevention strategies can help preserve your hearing. 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.