From sporting events to family gatherings to fireworks shows to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with enjoyable activities. Most of these activities are perfectly safe and healthy, but some do come with a risk of noise-related hearing loss. Over time, the loud noises that come with some of these experiences can result in permanent hearing damage. This hearing damage could be the result of anything from the roar of a motorcycle engine to the booms of a fireworks display.
Over time, extremely loud noises can trigger damage to your ears. The consequence of this exposure is loss of hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss is effectively irreversible.
There is no cure, though this form of hearing loss can be successfully controlled. Increasing your awareness of these common loud noises can help you better manage risks and establish prevention strategies, so you can safeguard your hearing over the long run. You can safeguard the health of your hearing while still enjoying summer fun by using a few basic adjustments.
Is it really that loud during the summer?
It can be really easy to overlook noise hazards during the summer months. Here are some of the most prevalent and also most dangerous:
- Loud concerts: Even outside concerts present substantial hazards to your hearing health. After all, these events are planned to be as loud as possible.
- Driving: A Sunday drive is incredibly popular, but the wind rushing into your windows (or all around you if you happen to be driving a convertible) can be hard on your ears. This is particularly true if the sound occurs for long durations without breaks.
- Fireworks events: Summer has lots of fireworks. They happen at holiday celebrations, sporting events, and impromptu neighborhood gatherings. Regrettably, fireworks are incredibly loud and can certainly cause damage to your hearing.
- Sporting events: Any time you’re in noisy crowds, you may increase your risk of noise damage (this can be even more prevalent at sporting events that feature motorized attractions, such as a Nascar race or monster truck rally).
- Routine use of power tools: Summer is an excellent time for home improvement projects. But it’s important to remember that all of those power tools can be rather noisy. The more you utilize these tools, the more your hearing risk increases.
- 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.
In general, sounds louder than 85dB are considered to be harmful. 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 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. Noise-induced hearing loss can occur at any age, unlike age-related hearing loss. That’s why prevention is so important. Some of the most effective prevention strategies include the following:
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: You may be surprised at just how quickly sounds can increase above that 85dB danger zone volume. Even your earbuds and headphones can start to do damage at these volume levels. You can become more aware of when volume levels start to get too high by downloading a volume monitoring app for your cellphone.
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): If you attended a loud fireworks show, make sure your next day is a quiet one. This can give your ears more time to recover and prevent further and more substantial damage.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: The louder 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: Hearing loss usually doesn’t happen all of a sudden. It could take years to detect in many circumstances. Frequently, the only way to determine whether you have any noise-induced hearing loss is to have your hearing examined. We’ll be able to discuss how to avoid further 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: Utilizing disposable earplugs might not be as reliable as customized earplugs but, in a pinch, they’re better than no protection at all. If you find yourself abruptly in a loud environment, a cheap pair of disposable earplugs can help prevent significant hearing damage.
- Turn down the volume at home: Simply lowering the volume on your TV and music playing devices can help give your ears some rest and a chance to recuperate. Damage will advance more rapidly if you’re always listening to your devices at a loud volume.
- Wear hearing protection: Keep a pair of ear plugs or ear muffs on hand in case you can’t or aren’t willing to avoid specific loud situations. Wear this hearing protection whenever you need to, when you are in environments that are loud. Damage can be avoided in this way. You can be especially benefited by making use of hearing protection costume designed for you.
Noise-induced hearing loss isn’t inevitable. Prevention strategies can help preserve your hearing. With the proper strategy, you can enjoy all that summer, or any other season, has to offer and safeguard your hearing.
Consulting with us can help begin your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!