From sporting events to family gatherings to fireworks shows to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with fun activities. Most of these activities are perfectly 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 experiences can lead to permanent hearing damage. A loud motorcycle engine or a roaring 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 result of this exposure is loss of hearing. Noise-related hearing loss is effectively irreversible.
Even though this type of hearing loss has no cure, it can be successfully treated. Increasing your awareness of these common loud noises can help you better manage risks and develop 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 utilizing a few simple adjustments.
Is summer actually that noisy?
Summer might be one of those times of year where noise hazards are easiest to miss. Some of the most prevalent hazardously loud noises include the following:
- Fireworks events: Summer is full of fireworks. They happen at holiday celebrations, sporting events, and impromptu neighborhood gatherings. Regrettably, fireworks are incredibly loud and can definitely cause damage to your ears.
- Sporting events: Any time you’re in noisy crowds, you may increase your risk of noise damage (this can be even more relevant at sporting events that feature motorized attractions, such as a Nascar race or monster truck rally).
- Routine lawn care: This category includes chainsaws, weed wackers, leaf blowers, and lawnmowers. These tools have extremely loud powerful motors. It’s worth pointing out that entirely electric motors are often quieter.
- Routine use of power tools: Summer is a perfect time for home improvement projects. But power tools, in general, are often quite loud. The more you use these tools, the more your hearing risk increases.
- Loud concerts: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they’re outdoor 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 damaging volumes in your ears and this is even more relevant if you drive a convertible. And the risk becomes exponentially worse the longer you are exposed.
The volume level that’s regarded as where damage begins to occur is around 85 dB. This is around the range of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. That’s significant to note because these sounds may 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 individuals are impacted by hearing loss. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss can happen at any age. Prevention is important for this precise reason. Some of the most reliable prevention strategies include the following:
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Disposable earplugs aren’t as effective as more customized types, but they’re much better than nothing! An inexpensive set of disposable earplugs can help prevent significant damage if you find yourself in a noisy environment all of a sudden.
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: 85 dB may not seem like a lot, but you would most likely be surprised how fast sounds can escalate above that minimum threshold. At these volume levels, even your headphones or earbuds can quickly start harming your ears. You can become more aware of when volume levels begin to get too high by downloading a volume monitoring app for your cellphone.
- Wear hearing protection: If you cannot avoid noisy situations (or don’t want to miss out on certain enjoyable activities), you can get a set of good ear muffs or ear plugs. When you are in locations that are too noisy, 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: If your environment is really loud, you need to regulate your exposure time. Your ears can be protected from long-term damage in this way. If you’re at a loud sporting event, for example, walk to a quieter area every thirty minutes or so.
- Turn down the volume at home: Simply reducing the volume on your TV and music playing devices can help give your ears some rest and a chance to recover. When everything is loud all the time, damage can advance more quickly.
- Get your hearing checked: In some cases, hearing loss creeps up on you quite gradually. It could take years to notice in many circumstances. Getting your hearing examined can help you identify whether you have noise-induced hearing loss. We’ll be able to discuss how to counter further damage, which treatment solutions may be appropriate, and how to keep your hearing as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): Spend a quieter next day after going to a fireworks display. Additional and more substantial damage can be prevented by giving your ears a chance to rest and recuperate.
Noise-related hearing loss isn’t inevitable. You’re hearing can be preserved by utilizing prevention strategies. You can safeguard your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the right strategy.
Begin your journey towards better hearing by contacting us for an appointment.
