From sporting events to family gatherings to fireworks displays to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with enjoyable experiences. Most of these activities are completely safe and healthy, but there are some that do come with a risk of noise-related hearing loss. Over time, the loud noises that come with some of these activities can result in irreversible hearing damage. A loud motorcycle engine or a roaring crowd could be causing long-term, noise-induced hearing loss.
What is noise-related hearing loss? This condition occurs when overly loud noises, over time, cause damage to your hearing. The consequence of this exposure is loss of hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss is effectively irreversible.
Even though this type of hearing loss has no cure, it can be effectively treated. Raising your awareness of these common loud noises can help you better control risks and establish prevention strategies, so you can protect your hearing over the long run. You can safeguard the health of your hearing while still enjoying summer fun by using a few simple adjustments.
Is it actually that loud during the summer?
It can be quite easy to miss noise hazards during the summer months. Here are some of the most prevalent and also most hazardous:
- Fireworks events: Summer is full of fireworks. From neighborhood parties to holiday celebrations to sporting events, fireworks displays are everywhere during the summer months. Regrettably, fireworks are extremely loud and can certainly cause damage to your ears.
- Driving: If you’re driving with the windows down, the wind noise can reach damaging 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.
- Routine lawn care: This category includes chainsaws, weed wackers, leaf blowers, and lawnmowers. These tools have really loud powerful motors. It’s worth noting that totally electric motors are usually quieter.
- Sporting events: Crowd noise can harm your hearing, particularly at events such as auto racing or monster truck rallies.
- Loud concerts: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they’re outdoor concerts. These events are, after all, meant to be really loud.
- Routine use of power tools: Summer is a perfect time for home improvement projects. But power tools, in general, are typically really loud. Your hearing health is in increasing danger the more you utilize these tools.
Generally speaking, sounds louder than 85dB are considered to be damaging. The average hair dryer, blender, or lawnmower is about this volume. That’s significant to be aware of because these sounds may not feel particularly noisy. But that doesn’t mean that such volumes won’t cause damage.
How can I prevent noise-related hearing loss?
Noise-induced hearing loss effects millions of people every year. Noise-related hearing loss can happen at any age, unlike age-related hearing loss. That’s why prevention is so important. Some of the most reliable prevention strategies include the following:
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): Spend a quieter next day after attending a fireworks display. This can give your ears more time to recover and avoid further and more substantial damage.
- Turn down the volume at home: Simply reducing the volume on your TV and music playing devices can help give your ears some rest and a chance to recover. When everything is loud all the time, damage can develop much faster.
- 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 loud sporting event, for example, go to a quieter area every thirty minutes or so.
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: You might be surprised at just how quickly sounds can increase above that 85dB danger zone level. At these volume levels, even your headphones or earbuds can quickly start harming your hearing. There are numerous dependable apps available for smartphones that can help you monitor ambient noise levels, so you can be more mindful of when your surroundings become dangerous to your hearing.
- Wear hearing protection: If you can’t avoid loud situations (or don’t want to miss out on particular fun activities), you can invest in a set of quality ear muffs or ear plugs. Wear this hearing protection when you need to, when you are in environments that are noisy. Damage can be avoided in this way. Custom hearing protection devices tailored to your ears and your hearing can be particularly effective.
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Using 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 suddenly in a noisy environment, a cheap set of disposable earplugs can help prevent substantial hearing damage.
- Get your hearing checked: Hearing loss normally doesn’t develop suddenly. It could take years to detect in many instances. Frequently, the only way to find out whether you have any noise-induced hearing loss is to have your hearing examined. We will help you comprehend how to keep your hearing healthy for years to come and discuss treatment options for any hearing loss you may already have.
Noise-induced hearing loss is not unavoidable. You’re hearing can be preserved by using prevention strategies. You can protect your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the right approach.
Consulting with us can help begin your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!