From sporting events to family gatherings to fireworks shows to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with fun experiences. And while the majority of these activities are healthy, many can present invisible risks to your hearing health. Over time, the loud noises that accompany some of these activities can cause irreversible hearing damage. This hearing damage could be due to 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 result of this exposure is loss of hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss is effectively irreversible.
There is no cure, but this form of hearing loss can be effectively controlled. Over the long run, you can safeguard your hearing and avoid damage by being aware of prevalent sources of loud noise and developing prevention strategies. With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy your summer fun and protect your hearing health.
Is it really that loud during the summer?
Summer might be one of those times of year in which noise hazards are easiest to miss. Here are a few of the most common and also most harmful:
- 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.
- Sporting events: Any time you’re in loud 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).
- Driving: If you’re driving with the windows down, the wind noise can reach hazardous volumes in your ears and this is even more pertinent if you drive a convertible. This is especially true if the sound happens for long intervals without breaks.
- Routine use of power tools: Home improvement projects are ideal activities during the summer. But it’s significant to keep in mind that all of those power tools can be really noisy. Your hearing health is in increasing risk the more you use these tools.
- Routine lawn care: This could include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. These tools have really loud powerful motors. Motors that run on electricity rather than gas are usually quite a bit quieter, though.
- 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. Unfortunately, fireworks are extremely loud and can certainly cause damage to your ears.
In general, sounds above 85dB are considered to be damaging. The average hair dryer, blender, or lawnmower is about this volume. These sounds might not seem particularly loud so this is significant to note. But the volume of these devices can result in hearing damage over time.
How can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
Noise-related hearing loss impacts millions of individuals each year. 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: If your environment is really noisy, you should limit your exposure time. Your ears can be protected from long-term damage in this way. If you’re at a loud sporting event, for instance, go to a quieter spot every thirty minutes or so.
- 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 numerous reliable apps available for smartphones that can help you monitor ambient noise levels, so you can be more aware of when your surroundings become dangerous to your hearing.
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): If you attended a loud fireworks display, make sure your next day is a quiet one. Additional and more significant damage can be prevented by giving your ears a chance to rest and recover.
- Get your hearing checked: Hearing loss normally doesn’t develop all of a sudden. Many people 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 have your hearing examined. We will help you comprehend how to keep your hearing healthy for years to come and talk about treatment solutions for any hearing loss you might already have.
- Turn down the volume at home: Your ears can get a rest by simply decreasing the volume on your devices. When everything is loud all the time, damage can develop much faster.
- 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! An inexpensive set of disposable earplugs can help prevent considerable damage if you find yourself in a noisy setting all of a sudden.
- Wear hearing protection: If you cannot avoid noisy environments (or don’t want to miss out on certain enjoyable activities), you can get a set of quality ear muffs or ear plugs. When you are in settings that are too noisy, use this protection to your advantage. Damage can be avoided in this way. Custom hearing protection devices personalized to your ears and your hearing can be especially effective.
You don’t need to resign yourself to getting noise-related hearing loss. You’re hearing can be preserved by using prevention strategies. You can safeguard your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the proper strategy.
Talking to us can help begin your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!