From sporting events to family get-togethers to fireworks displays to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with enjoyable activities. And while most of these activities are safe, many can present hidden risks to your hearing health. Over time, the loud noises that accompany some of these experiences can lead to irreversible hearing damage. A loud motorcycle engine or a roaring crowd could be contributing to long-term, noise-related hearing loss.
What is noise-related hearing loss? This condition happens when extremely loud noises, over time, trigger damage to your hearing. The consequence of this exposure is loss of hearing. This kind of hearing loss is irreversible.
Although this kind of hearing loss has no cure, it can be successfully managed. Over the long run, you can safeguard your hearing and avoid damage by being aware of common sources of loud noise and formulating prevention strategies. 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 quite easy to miss noise risks during the summer months. Here are some of the most common and also most hazardous:
- Fireworks events: Many towns have fireworks displays monthly or more during the summer. From neighborhood gatherings to holiday festivities to sporting events, fireworks displays are everywhere during the summer months. But fireworks shows are definitely loud enough to cause permanent hearing damage.
- 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, including a Nascar race or monster truck rally).
- Driving: If you’re driving with the windows down, the wind noise can reach harmful 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 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 rather than gas are normally quite a bit quieter, though.
- Routine use of power tools: Summer is an ideal time for home improvement projects. But power tools, in general, tend to be really 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 outside concerts. After all, these events are planned to be as loud as possible.
The volume level that’s considered to be where damage starts to happen is around 85 dB. A typical hair dryer, blender, or lawnmower is around this volume. That’s important to take note of because these sounds might not seem particularly noisy. But the volume of these devices can cause hearing damage over time.
Preventing noise-induced hearing damage
Every year, millions of individuals are impacted by hearing loss. Noise-related hearing loss can occur at any age, unlike age-related hearing loss. That’s why prevention is so essential. Here are a few of the most helpful prevention strategies:
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Disposable earplugs aren’t as effective as more customized types, but they’re far better than nothing! If you find yourself suddenly in a loud environment, a cheap set of disposable earplugs can help prevent substantial hearing damage.
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): If you went to a loud fireworks show, make sure your next day is a quiet one. This can give your ears more time to recuperate and prevent further and more significant damage.
- Wear hearing protection: If you can’t avoid noisy situations (or don’t want to miss out on certain enjoyable activities), you can invest in a pair of good ear muffs or ear plugs. Wear this hearing protection whenever you need to, when you are in environments that are loud. This can help you avoid damage. You can be particularly benefited by making use of hearing protection costume made for you.
- Turn down the volume at home: Your ears can get a break by simply lowering the volume on your devices. When everything is loud all the time, damage can develop more quickly.
- Get your hearing checked: Hearing loss normally doesn’t happen all of a sudden. Many people won’t detect the symptoms for months or years. Having your hearing examined can help you determine whether you have noise-induced hearing loss. We will help you understand how to keep your hearing healthy for years to come and discuss treatment solutions for any hearing loss you might already have.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: The louder the environment, the more you should limit your time. This can help avoid long-term damage to your hearing. If you’re at a noisy sporting event, for example, walk to a quieter area every thirty minutes or so.
- 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 escalate above that minimum threshold. At these volume levels, even your headphones or earbuds can quickly start harming your ears. There are numerous dependable apps available for smartphones that can help you monitor ambient noise levels, so you can be more aware of when your surroundings become harmful to your hearing.
You don’t need to resign yourself to getting noise-induced hearing loss. You’re hearing can be maintained by using prevention strategies. You can protect your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the correct approach.
Talking to us can help begin your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!