From sporting events to family gatherings to fireworks displays to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with fun activities. The majority 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 accompany 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 happens when extremely loud noises, over time, trigger damage to your hearing. As a result, you experience hearing loss. This type of hearing loss has no cure.
There is no cure, though this form of hearing loss can be effectively managed. Over the long run, you can protect your hearing and avoid damage by being aware of prevalent sources of loud noise and formulating prevention strategies. You can protect the health of your hearing while still enjoying summer fun by making use of a few simple adjustments.
Is summer actually that noisy?
Summer may be one of those times of year where noise risks are easiest to overlook. Some of the most prevalent dangerously loud noises include the following:
- Sporting events: Any time you’re in noisy 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).
- Loud concerts: Even outside concerts present considerable hazards to your hearing health. After all, these events are designed to be as loud as possible.
- Routine lawn care: This may include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. The powerful motors in most of these mechanical tools are incredibly loud. Motors that run on electricity instead of gas are usually quite a bit quieter, though.
- Routine use of power tools: Summer is an ideal time for home improvement projects. But it’s crucial to remember that all of those power tools can be rather noisy. The more you use these tools, the more your hearing risk increases.
- Driving: Going for 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 occurs for long intervals without breaks.
- Fireworks events: Many areas have fireworks displays monthly or more during the summer. From neighborhood gatherings to holiday festivities to sporting events, fireworks displays are everywhere during the summer months. But fireworks shows are definitely loud enough to trigger irreversible hearing damage.
In general, sounds above 85dB are considered to be damaging. This is about the range of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. That’s significant to note because these sounds may not feel particularly noisy. But the volume of these devices can cause hearing damage over time.
How can I prevent noise-related hearing loss?
Noise-related hearing loss impacts millions of individuals each year. Noise-related hearing loss can happen at any age, unlike age-related hearing loss. That’s why prevention is so essential. Here are some of the most practical prevention strategies:
- Get your hearing checked: Hearing loss usually doesn’t happen suddenly. Many people won’t notice the symptoms for months or years. Getting your hearing examined can help you identify whether you have noise-induced hearing loss. We’ll be able to talk about how to counter additional damage, which treatment options 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. You can become more conscious of when volume levels begin to get too loud by downloading a volume monitoring app for your cellphone.
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Using 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 noisy environments (or don’t want to miss out on particular enjoyable activities), you can get a pair of quality ear muffs or ear plugs. Use this hearing protection whenever you need to, when you are in environments that are loud. Damage can be avoided in this way. Custom hearing protection devices personalized to your ears and your hearing can be particularly effective.
- Turn down the volume at home: Your ears can get a break by simply turning down the volume on your devices. Damage will advance more rapidly if you’re always listening to your devices at a high volume.
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): Spend a quieter next day after attending a fireworks display. Additional and more significant damage can be prevented by giving your ears a chance to rest and recuperate.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: The more noisy the environment, the more you should limit your time. This can help avoid long-term damage to your hearing. If you’re at a loud sporting event, for instance, walk to a quieter area every thirty minutes or so.
You don’t need to resign yourself to having noise-induced hearing loss. You’re hearing can be preserved by using prevention strategies. With the correct 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 giving us a call for an appointment.