The average summer day is usually filled with fun experiences and happenings, from motorcycle rides to family reunions to fireworks to sporting events. 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 result in irreversible hearing damage. This hearing damage could be caused by anything from the roar of a motorcycle engine to the booms of a fireworks display.
Over time, very loud noises can trigger damage to your ears. As a result, you experience hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is effectively irreversible.
There is no cure, though this type of hearing loss can be successfully managed. Over the long run, you can safeguard your hearing and prevent damage by being aware of common 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 summer really that noisy?
Summer may be one of those times of year where noise risks are easiest to miss. Here are some of the most prevalent and also most dangerous:
- Driving: A Sunday drive is very popular, but the wind rushing through your windows (or all around you if you’re driving a convertible) can be hard on your ears. This is particularly true if the sound happens for long intervals without breaks.
- Loud concerts: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they’re outside concerts. After all, these events are planned to be as loud as possible.
- Sporting events: Any time you’re in noisy crowds, you could 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 might include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. The powerful motors in most of these mechanical tools are extremely loud. It’s worth pointing out that purely electric motors are usually quieter.
- Routine use of power tools: Home improvement projects are great activities during the summer. 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 hazard increases.
- Fireworks events: Summer is full of fireworks. From neighborhood gatherings to holiday celebrations to sporting events, fireworks displays are everywhere during the summer months. But fireworks shows are easily loud enough to trigger permanent hearing damage.
The volume level that’s considered to be where damage begins to happen is about 85 dB. 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 that doesn’t mean that such volumes won’t result in damage.
How can I prevent noise-related hearing loss?
Each year, millions of people are affected by hearing loss. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-related hearing loss can present at any age. Prevention is significant for this exact reason. Here are some of the most practical prevention strategies:
- 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 noisy sporting event, for instance, walk to a quieter area every thirty minutes or so.
- Get your hearing checked: In some cases, hearing loss sneaks up on you very slowly. It could take years to notice in many instances. Getting your hearing examined can help you determine whether you have noise-related hearing loss. We will help you comprehend how to keep your hearing healthy for years to come and discuss treatment solutions for any hearing loss you may already have.
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Making use of disposable earplugs may 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 noisy environment, a cheap set of disposable earplugs can help prevent substantial hearing damage.
- Wear hearing protection: If you cannot avoid loud situations (or don’t want to miss out on certain fun activities), you can invest in a pair of quality ear muffs or ear plugs. When you’re in environments that are too noisy, use this protection to your advantage. Damage can be avoided in this way. You can be particularly benefited by utilizing hearing protection costume designed for you.
- 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 progress much faster.
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: You may be surprised at just how fast sounds can escalate above that 85dB danger zone level. Even your earbuds and headphones can start to do damage at these volume levels. You can become more conscious 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): Spend a quieter next day after going to a fireworks display. This can give your ears more time to recover and prevent further and more substantial damage.
You don’t need to resign yourself to getting noise-related hearing loss. Prevention strategies can help preserve your hearing. With the right approach, you can enjoy all that summer, or any other season, has to offer and protect your hearing.
Begin your journey towards better hearing by contacting us for an appointment.