The average summer day is likely filled with fun experiences and happenings, from motorcycle rides to family reunions to fireworks to sporting events. The majority 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 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 display.
What is noise-related hearing loss? This condition occurs when overly loud noises, over time, trigger damage to your hearing. As a result, you experience hearing loss. Noise-related hearing loss is effectively permanent.
Even though this kind of hearing loss can’t be cured, it can be effectively managed. Over the long run, you can safeguard your hearing and prevent damage by being aware of prevalent sources of loud noise and developing prevention strategies. With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy your summer fun and protect your hearing health.
Is summer really that noisy?
Summer may 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:
- Sporting events: Crowd noise can harm your hearing, especially at events like auto racing or monster truck rallies.
- Driving: Going for a Sunday drive is incredibly popular, but the wind rushing into your windows (or all around you if you’re driving a convertible) can be tough on your ears. This is especially true if the sound occurs for long periods without breaks.
- 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. Motors that run on electricity instead of gas are typically quite a bit quieter, though.
- Loud concerts: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they’re outdoor concerts. After all, these events are planned to be as loud as possible.
- Routine use of power tools: Home improvement projects are ideal activities during the summer. But power tools, in general, are often quite loud. Your hearing health is in increasing danger the more you utilize these tools.
- Fireworks events: Summer has lots of fireworks. They take place at holiday celebrations, sporting events, and impromptu neighborhood gatherings. But fireworks shows are definitely loud enough to trigger irreversible hearing damage.
Generally speaking, sounds above 85dB are considered to be damaging. This is around the range of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. These sounds may not seem especially loud so this is significant to note. But the volume of these devices can result in hearing damage over time.
How can I prevent noise-related hearing loss?
Noise-induced hearing loss effects 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 important. Some of the most successful prevention strategies include the following:
- 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 prevent further and more substantial damage.
- 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 increase above that minimum threshold. At these volume levels, even your headphones or earbuds can quickly begin harming your hearing. You can become more aware of when volume levels start to get too high by downloading a volume monitoring app for your cellphone.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: The more noisy the environment, the more you should limit your time. Your ears can be protected from long-term damage in this way. If you’re at a noisy sporting event, for example, go to a quieter spot every thirty minutes or so.
- Turn down the volume at home: Your ears can get a break by simply reducing the volume on your devices. When everything is loud all the time, damage can progress much faster.
- Wear hearing protection: Keep a pair of ear plugs or ear muffs on hand in case you can’t or aren’t willing to avoid certain noisy situations. When you are in environments that are too noisy, use this protection to your advantage. This can help you avoid damage. Custom hearing protection devices tailored to your ears and your hearing can be particularly effective.
- 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 abruptly in a noisy environment, a cheap pair of disposable earplugs can help prevent significant hearing damage.
- Get your hearing checked: Hearing loss typically doesn’t happen suddenly. It could take years to notice in many instances. Frequently, the only way to determine whether you have any noise-related hearing loss is to get your hearing checked. We’ll be able to go over how to prevent additional damage, which treatment options might be appropriate, and how to keep your hearing as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
You don’t need to resign yourself to getting noise-related hearing loss. Prevention strategies can help maintain your hearing. With the right strategy, you can enjoy all that summer, or any other season, has to offer and protect your hearing.
Talking to us can help start your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!