From sporting events to family get-togethers to fireworks displays to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with fun experiences. Most of these activities are completely safe and healthy, but there are some that do come with a risk of noise-related hearing loss. Over time, the loud noises that come with some of these activities can result in irreversible hearing damage. A loud motorcycle engine or the roar of a 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 has no cure.
There is no cure, but this form of hearing loss can be successfully managed. Raising your awareness of these prevalent loud noises can help you better control risks and establish prevention strategies, so you can safeguard your hearing over the long run. You can protect the health of your hearing while still enjoying summer fun by making use of a few basic adjustments.
Is it actually that loud during the summer?
Summer may be one of those times of year in which noise hazards are easiest to overlook. Some of the most prevalent dangerously loud noises include the following:
- Sporting events: Crowd noise can damage your hearing, particularly at events like auto racing or monster truck rallies.
- Routine use of power tools: Home improvement projects are ideal activities during the summer. But power tools, in general, are typically quite loud. The more you utilize these tools, the more your hearing hazard increases.
- Loud concerts: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they are outside concerts. After all, these events are designed to be as loud as possible.
- 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. This is especially true if the sound happens for long intervals without breaks.
- Routine lawn care: Included in this category are chainsaws, weed wackers, leaf blowers, and lawnmowers. These tools have very loud powerful motors. Motors that run on electricity rather than gas are normally quite a bit quieter, though.
- Fireworks events: Summer is full 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.
In general, sounds above 85dB are considered to be damaging. This is about the volume of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. That’s important to note because these sounds might not seem particularly noisy. But the volume of these devices can result in hearing damage over time.
How can I prevent noise-related hearing loss?
Noise-related hearing loss impacts millions of individuals each year. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-related hearing loss can happen at any age. That’s why prevention is so important. Here are some of the most helpful prevention strategies:
- Turn down the volume at home: Your ears can get a break by simply turning down the volume on your devices. When everything is loud all the time, damage can advance much faster.
- 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. Every thirty minutes or so, when you’re at a noisy sporting event, for instance, go and spend some time in a less noisy area.
- Get your hearing checked: Sometimes, hearing loss creeps up on you quite slowly. Many people won’t notice the symptoms for months or years. Having your hearing checked can help you identify whether you have noise-related hearing loss. We will help you understand how to keep your hearing healthy for years to come and talk about treatment solutions for any hearing loss you may already have.
- 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 escalate above that minimum threshold. At these volume levels, even your headphones or earbuds can quickly begin damaging your hearing. There are many reliable apps available for smartphones that can help you track ambient noise levels, so you can be more mindful of when your surroundings become harmful to your hearing.
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Utilizing disposable earplugs might not be as reliable as customized earplugs but, in a pinch, they’re better than no protection at all. An inexpensive pair of disposable earplugs can help prevent significant damage if you find yourself in a noisy setting all of a sudden.
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): If you went to a loud fireworks display, 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 cannot avoid loud situations (or don’t want to miss out on certain enjoyable activities), you can get a set of good ear muffs or ear plugs. Wear this hearing protection whenever you need to, when you are in environments that are loud. Damage can be avoided in this way. Custom hearing protection devices tailored to your ears and your hearing can be especially effective.
You don’t need to resign yourself to having noise-related hearing loss. Prevention strategies can help maintain your hearing. With the correct approach, you can enjoy all that summer, or any other season, has to offer and protect your hearing.
Consulting with us can help start your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!
