From sporting events to family gatherings to fireworks shows to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with fun experiences. The majority of these activities are completely 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. A loud motorcycle engine or the roar of a crowd could be causing long-term, noise-related hearing loss.
What is noise-induced hearing loss? This condition occurs when excessively loud noises, over time, trigger damage to your hearing. The result of this exposure is loss of hearing. Noise-related hearing loss is effectively permanent.
Even though this type of hearing loss has no cure, it can be successfully managed. Over the long run, you can protect your hearing and avoid damage by being aware of common sources of loud noise and developing prevention strategies. 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 very easy to overlook noise risks during the summer months. Here are a few of the most common and also most harmful:
- Loud concerts: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they’re outside concerts. These events are, after all, intended to be really loud.
- Sporting events: Any time you’re in loud 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 use of power tools: Home improvement projects are perfect activities during the summer. But it’s significant to keep in mind that all of those power tools can be really noisy. The more you utilize these tools, the more your hearing risk increases.
- Driving: Going for a Sunday drive is very popular, but the wind rushing into your windows (or all around you if you’re driving a convertible) can be hard on your ears. And the risk becomes dramatically worse the longer you are exposed.
- Fireworks events: Many areas have fireworks displays monthly or more during the summer. They take place at holiday celebrations, sporting events, and impromptu neighborhood gatherings. Unfortunately, fireworks are extremely loud and can certainly cause damage to your hearing.
- Routine lawn care: This could include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. The powerful motors in many of these mechanical tools are extremely loud. Motors that run on electricity instead of gas are typically quite a bit quieter, though.
Generally speaking, sounds louder than 85dB are considered to be damaging. A typical hair dryer, blender, or lawnmower is about this volume. These sounds may not seem particularly loud so this is important to note. But the volume of these devices can result in hearing damage over time.
How can I prevent noise-related hearing loss?
Each year, millions of people are affected by hearing loss. Noise-related hearing loss can occur at any age, unlike age-related hearing loss. That’s why prevention is so significant. Here are some of the most practical prevention strategies:
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: You may be surprised at just how rapidly sounds can escalate above that 85dB danger zone level. At these volume levels, even your headphones or earbuds can quickly begin damaging 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.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: The louder the environment, the more you should limit your time. Your ears can be safeguarded 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.
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Disposable earplugs aren’t as reliable as more customized types, but they’re far better than nothing! If you find yourself suddenly 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 recover. Damage will advance faster if you’re always listening to your devices at a loud volume.
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): If you went to 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.
- Wear hearing protection: If you can’t avoid noisy situations (or don’t want to miss out on certain fun activities), you can invest in a set of good ear muffs or ear plugs. When you’re in environments that are too loud, use this protection to your advantage. This can help prevent damage. Custom hearing protection devices personalized to your ears and your hearing can be especially effective.
- Get your hearing checked: In some cases, hearing loss sneaks up on you really slowly. It could take years to detect in many circumstances. Getting your hearing checked can help you identify whether you have noise-induced hearing loss. We’ll be able to talk about how to avoid further damage, which treatment options may be appropriate, and how to keep your hearing as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
You don’t need to resign yourself to getting noise-induced 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 right approach.
Begin your journey towards better hearing by giving us a call for an appointment.