The typical summer day is usually filled with fun activities and happenings, from motorcycle rides to family outings to fireworks to sporting events. And while most of these activities are safe, many can present hidden risks to your hearing health. Over time, the loud noises that come with some of these activities can result in permanent hearing damage. This hearing damage could be caused by anything from a roaring motorcycle engine to the booms of a fireworks show.
What is noise-induced hearing loss? This condition happens when overly loud noises, over time, cause damage to your hearing. The consequence of this exposure is loss of hearing. This type of hearing loss is irreversible.
Even though this kind of hearing loss can’t be cured, it can be successfully managed. Raising your awareness of these common loud noises can help you better control risks and establish prevention strategies, so you can safeguard your hearing over the long run. With a few basic adjustments, you can enjoy your summer fun and protect your hearing health.
Is summer really that noisy?
It can be very easy to miss noise risks during the summer months. Some of the most common dangerously loud noises include the following:
- Fireworks events: Many places have fireworks displays every month or more during the summer. They occur at holiday celebrations, sporting events, and impromptu neighborhood gatherings. Regrettably, fireworks are extremely loud and can certainly cause damage to your hearing.
- Routine lawn care: Included in this category are chainsaws, weed wackers, leaf blowers, and lawnmowers. The powerful motors in many of these mechanical tools are incredibly loud. It’s worth pointing out that entirely electric motors are usually quieter.
- Routine use of power tools: Home improvement projects are perfect activities during the summer. But power tools, in general, are often really loud. The more you utilize these tools, the more your hearing risk increases.
- Loud concerts: Even outdoor concerts present substantial risks to your hearing health. These events are, after all, meant to be really loud.
- 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’re exposed.
- Sporting events: Any time you’re around noisy crowds, you could increase your risk of noise damage (this can be even more prevalent at sporting events that feature motorized attractions, including a Nascar race or monster truck rally).
Generally speaking, sounds above 85dB are considered to be damaging. The average hair dryer, blender, or lawnmower is about this volume. That’s significant to take note of because these sounds might not feel particularly noisy. But that doesn’t mean that such volumes won’t cause damage.
How can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
Every year, millions of people are impacted by hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss can occur at any age, unlike age-related hearing loss. Prevention is significant for this exact reason. Here are a few of the most helpful prevention strategies:
- Get your hearing checked: In some cases, hearing loss creeps up on you really slowly. 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 get your hearing checked. 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.
- 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 suddenly in a noisy environment, a cheap pair of disposable earplugs can help prevent substantial hearing damage.
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: 85 dB might 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 start to do damage at these volume levels. There are many dependable apps available for smartphones that can help you monitor ambient noise levels, so you can be more mindful of when your surroundings become dangerous to your hearing.
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): Spend a quieter next day after going to a fireworks display. Additional and more significant damage can be avoided by giving your ears a chance to rest and recuperate.
- Wear hearing protection: If you can’t avoid loud situations (or don’t want to miss out on certain fun activities), you can invest in a set of good ear muffs or ear plugs. When you’re in environments that are too loud, use this protection to your advantage. This can help you avoid damage. Custom hearing protection devices personalized to your ears and your hearing can be particularly effective.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: The more noisy the environment, the more you should limit your 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 example, go and spend some time in a less noisy area.
- 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 much faster.
You don’t need to resign yourself to getting noise-induced hearing loss. You’re hearing can be maintained by utilizing prevention strategies. You can protect your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the right strategy.
Talking to us can help begin your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!