The average summer day is usually filled with fun experiences and happenings, from motorcycle rides to family outings to fireworks to sporting events. Most 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 accompany some of these activities can result in irreversible hearing damage. A loud motorcycle engine or a roaring crowd could be causing 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. As a consequence, you experience hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is irreversible.
Even though this type of hearing loss can’t be cured, it can be successfully treated. Increasing your awareness of these common loud noises can help you better control 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 making use of a few basic adjustments.
Is it actually that loud during the summer?
It can be really easy to miss noise risks during the summer months. Some of the most prevalent dangerously loud noises include the following:
- Fireworks events: Summer is full of fireworks. From neighborhood get-togethers to holiday celebrations to sporting events, fireworks shows are everywhere during the summer months. Regrettably, fireworks are extremely loud and can certainly cause damage to your ears.
- Routine lawn care: This might include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. These tools have extremely loud powerful motors. It’s worth noting that entirely electric motors are usually quieter.
- Routine use of power tools: Home improvement projects are great activities during the summer. But it’s significant to remember that all of those power tools can be quite noisy. The more you use these tools, the more your hearing hazard increases.
- Sporting events: Crowd noise can damage your hearing, especially at events such as auto racing or monster truck rallies.
- Loud concerts: Even outside concerts present substantial risks to your hearing health. After all, these events are designed to be as loud as possible.
- Driving: Taking a Sunday drive is very 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 especially true if the sound occurs for long durations without breaks.
The volume level that’s regarded as where damage starts to occur is about 85 dB. A typical hair dryer, blender, or lawnmower is around this volume. That’s significant to note because these sounds may not feel particularly noisy. But the volume of these devices can result in hearing damage over time.
Preventing noise-induced hearing damage
Each year, millions of people are impacted by hearing loss. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-related hearing loss can present at any age. That’s why prevention is so essential. Some of the most effective prevention strategies include the following:
- Limit your time in noisy environments: If your environment is really noisy, you should limit your exposure time. This can help prevent long-term damage to your ears. If you’re at a loud sporting event, for example, walk to a quieter spot 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 substantial hearing damage.
- Turn down the volume at home: Simply reducing the volume on your TV and music playing devices can help give your ears some quiet and a chance to recuperate. Damage will develop 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 handy in case you can’t or are not willing to avoid certain loud situations. When you are in environments that are too loud, 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.
- Get your hearing checked: Hearing loss typically doesn’t develop suddenly. Many people won’t detect the symptoms for months or years. Getting your hearing examined can help you identify whether you have noise-related hearing loss. We’ll be able to discuss how to prevent further damage, which treatment solutions might 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): If you went to a loud fireworks display, make sure your next day is a quiet one. This can give your ears more time to recuperate and prevent further and more substantial damage.
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: 85 dB might not seem like a lot, but you would most likely be surprised how fast sounds can escalate above that minimum threshold. Even your earbuds and headphones can begin 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.
Noise-induced hearing loss is not inevitable. You’re hearing can be preserved by utilizing prevention strategies. With the proper approach, you can enjoy all that summer, or any other season, has to offer and safeguard your hearing.
Talking to us can help start your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!