From sporting events to family gatherings to fireworks displays to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with enjoyable experiences. And while most 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 result in irreversible hearing damage. This hearing damage could be the result of anything from a roaring motorcycle engine to the booms of a fireworks display.
What is noise-induced hearing loss? This condition happens when excessively loud noises, over time, cause damage to your hearing. The result of this exposure is loss of hearing. Noise-related hearing loss is effectively irreversible.
There is no cure, though this form of hearing loss can be effectively managed. Over the long run, you can protect your hearing and prevent damage by being aware of prevalent 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 summer actually that noisy?
It can be quite easy to overlook noise risks during the summer months. Some of the most common dangerously loud noises include the following:
- Routine lawn care: This category includes chainsaws, weed wackers, leaf blowers, and lawnmowers. The powerful motors in many of these mechanical tools are incredibly loud. It’s worth noting that totally electric motors are usually quieter.
- Sporting events: Crowd noise can harm your hearing, particularly at events such as auto racing or monster truck rallies.
- 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 use of power tools: Home improvement projects are perfect activities during the summer. But power tools, in general, are typically really loud. Your hearing health is in increasing danger the more you utilize these tools.
- 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’re exposed.
- Fireworks events: Many towns have fireworks displays every month or more during the summer. They happen at holiday celebrations, sporting events, and impromptu neighborhood gatherings. But fireworks shows are easily loud enough to cause irreversible hearing damage.
Generally speaking, sounds louder than 85dB are considered to be damaging. A typical hair dryer, blender, or lawnmower is around this volume. These sounds may not seem particularly loud so this is significant to note. But the volume of these devices can cause hearing damage over time.
How can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
Each year, millions of people are impacted by hearing loss. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss can occur at any age. Prevention is important for this exact reason. Here are some of the most helpful prevention strategies:
- Turn down the volume at home: Your ears can get a rest by simply lowering the volume on your devices. When everything is loud all the time, damage can progress more quickly.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: If your environment is really loud, you need to regulate your exposure time. This can help avoid long-term damage to your ears. Every thirty minutes or so, when you’re at a loud sporting event, for instance, go and spend some time in a less noisy spot.
- 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: You might be surprised at just how quickly sounds can increase above that 85dB danger zone level. Even your earbuds and headphones can begin to do damage at these volume levels. There are numerous dependable apps available for smartphones that can help you track ambient noise levels, so you can be more aware of when your surroundings become harmful to your hearing.
- Wear hearing protection: Keep a pair of ear plugs or ear muffs on hand in case you can’t or are not willing to avoid specific noisy situations. When you are in locations that are too noisy, use this protection to your advantage. Damage can be avoided in this way. Custom hearing protection devices tailored to your ears and your hearing can be especially effective.
- Get your hearing checked: In some cases, hearing loss sneaks up on you quite gradually. Many people won’t notice the symptoms for months or years. Often, the only way to find out whether you have any noise-induced hearing loss is to have your hearing checked. We’ll be able to talk about how to prevent further damage, which treatment options 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 effective as more customized types, but they’re much better than nothing! If you find yourself abruptly in a loud environment, a cheap set of disposable earplugs can help prevent significant hearing damage.
You don’t need to resign yourself to getting noise-related hearing loss. Prevention strategies can help maintain your hearing. With the correct strategy, you can enjoy all that summer, or any other season, has to offer and safeguard your hearing.
Begin your journey towards better hearing by giving us a call for an appointment.