From sporting events to family gatherings to fireworks shows 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 cause irreversible hearing damage. This hearing damage could be the result of anything from the roar of a motorcycle engine to the booms of a fireworks show.
Over time, very loud noises can trigger damage to your ears. The result of this exposure is loss of hearing. Noise-related hearing loss is effectively irreversible.
Although this type of hearing loss can’t be cured, it can be effectively treated. Over the long run, you can safeguard your hearing and avoid damage by being aware of prevalent sources of loud noise and formulating prevention strategies. You can protect the health of your hearing while still enjoying summer fun by utilizing a few simple adjustments.
Is summer really that noisy?
Summer may be one of those times of year in which noise hazards are easiest to miss. Here are some of the most prevalent and also most dangerous:
- Loud concerts: Even outdoor concerts have considerable risks to your hearing health. After all, these events are planned to be as loud as possible.
- Sporting events: Any time you’re in loud crowds, you may 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).
- Driving: Taking a Sunday drive is incredibly popular, but the wind rushing through your windows (or all around you if you happen to be driving a convertible) can be tough on your ears. This is particularly true if the sound happens for long durations without breaks.
- Routine lawn care: This might include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. The powerful motors in most of these mechanical tools are very loud. Motors that run on electricity instead of gas are normally quite a bit quieter, though.
- Routine use of power tools: Summer is a perfect time for home improvement projects. But it’s significant to remember that all of those power tools can be rather noisy. The more you use these tools, the more your hearing hazard increases.
- Fireworks events: Summer has lots of fireworks. From neighborhood gatherings to holiday celebrations to sporting events, fireworks displays are everywhere during the summer months. But fireworks shows are definitely loud enough to trigger irreversible hearing damage.
In general, sounds above 85dB are considered to be harmful. This is about the range of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. These sounds may not seem particularly loud so this is important to note. But the volume of these devices can cause hearing damage over time.
How can I prevent noise-related hearing loss?
Every year, millions of individuals are impacted by hearing loss. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss can happen at any age. That’s why prevention is so essential. Some of the most reliable prevention strategies include the following:
- Limit your time in noisy environments: The louder the environment, the more you should limit your time. This can help protect against long-term damage to your ears. Every thirty minutes or so, when you’re at a noisy sporting event, for instance, go and spend some time in a less noisy spot.
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Disposable earplugs aren’t as reliable as more customized types, but they’re a lot better than nothing! If you find yourself suddenly in a loud environment, a cheap pair of disposable earplugs can help prevent substantial hearing damage.
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): Spend a quieter next day after attending a fireworks display. Additional and more substantial damage can be prevented by giving your ears a chance to rest and recuperate.
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: You might be surprised at just how rapidly sounds can increase above that 85dB danger zone level. Even your earbuds and headphones can start to do damage at these volume levels. 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.
- Get your hearing checked: Hearing loss typically doesn’t develop suddenly. Many individuals won’t notice the symptoms for months or years. Often, the only way to find out whether you have any noise-related hearing loss is to get your hearing checked. We’ll be able to talk about how to counter additional damage, which treatment options may be appropriate, and how to keep your hearing as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
- Wear hearing protection: If you cannot avoid noisy situations (or don’t want to miss out on certain enjoyable activities), you can get a pair of quality ear muffs or ear plugs. When you’re 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 particularly effective.
- 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 develop much faster.
Noise-related hearing loss is not unavoidable. You’re hearing can be maintained by using prevention strategies. You can safeguard your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the proper approach.
Consulting with us can help start your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!