The typical summer day is usually filled with fun experiences and happenings, from motorcycle rides to family reunions to fireworks to sporting events. Most of these activities are completely safe and healthy, but there are some that do come with a risk of noise-related hearing loss. That’s because loud noises, over time, can harm your ability to hear. A loud motorcycle engine or a roaring crowd could be causing long-term, noise-induced hearing loss.
Over time, extremely loud noises can trigger damage to your ears. The result of this exposure is loss of hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss is effectively irreversible.
There is no cure, though this type of hearing loss can be successfully managed. Increasing your awareness of these common loud noises can help you better control risks and establish prevention strategies, so you can safeguard your hearing over the long run. With a few basic adjustments, you can enjoy your summer fun and safeguard your hearing health.
Is it really that loud during the summer?
Summer may be one of those times of year where noise hazards are easiest to overlook. Here are some of the most prevalent and also most harmful:
- Loud concerts: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they’re outdoor concerts. These events are, after all, intended to be really loud.
- Fireworks events: Many areas have fireworks displays every month or more during the summer. From neighborhood gatherings to holiday celebrations to sporting events, fireworks displays are everywhere during the summer months. But fireworks shows are definitely loud enough to trigger permanent hearing damage.
- Driving: If you’re driving with the windows down, the wind noise can reach hazardous volumes in your ears and this is even more significant if you drive a convertible. And the risk becomes dramatically worse the longer you’re exposed.
- Sporting events: Any time you’re in noisy 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).
- Routine use of power tools: Summer is an excellent time for home improvement projects. But it’s crucial to keep in mind that all of those power tools can be really noisy. Your hearing health is in increasing danger the more you utilize these tools.
- Routine lawn care: This might include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. These tools have really loud powerful motors. It’s worth noting that entirely electric motors are often quieter.
Generally speaking, sounds louder than 85dB are considered to be harmful. This is about the range of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. These sounds might not seem especially loud so this is significant to note. But that doesn’t mean that such volumes won’t cause damage.
How can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
Each year, millions of individuals are impacted by hearing loss. Noise-related hearing loss can occur at any age, unlike age-related hearing loss. Prevention is important for this exact reason. Here are some of the most practical prevention strategies:
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Disposable earplugs aren’t as effective as more customized types, but they’re much better than nothing! If you find yourself abruptly in a loud environment, a cheap pair of disposable earplugs can help prevent substantial hearing damage.
- Get your hearing checked: Sometimes, hearing loss sneaks up on you quite slowly. It could take years to detect in many instances. Having your hearing examined can help you identify whether you have noise-induced hearing loss. We’ll be able to talk about 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.
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: You may be surprised at just how fast sounds can increase above that 85dB danger zone level. At these volume levels, even your headphones or earbuds can quickly begin harming your ears. There are numerous reliable apps available for smartphones that can help you track ambient noise levels, so you can be more aware of when your surroundings become dangerous to your hearing.
- Turn down the volume at home: Simply turning down the volume on your TV and music playing devices can help give your ears some rest and a chance to recuperate. When everything is loud all the time, damage can develop more quickly.
- Wear hearing protection: If you cannot avoid noisy situations (or don’t want to miss out on certain fun activities), you can get a pair of quality ear muffs or ear plugs. When you’re in locations that are too noisy, use this protection to your advantage. This can help prevent damage. You can be particularly benefited by making use of hearing protection costume made for you.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: If your environment is really noisy, you should regulate your exposure time. Your ears can be safeguarded from long-term damage in this way. If you’re at a loud sporting event, for example, go to a quieter area every thirty minutes or so.
- 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 avoid further and more substantial damage.
Noise-induced hearing loss is not inevitable. You’re hearing can be preserved by using prevention strategies. With the proper strategy, you can enjoy all that summer, or any other season, has to offer and safeguard your hearing.
Start your journey towards better hearing by contacting us for an appointment.