The average summer day is likely filled with fun experiences and happenings, from motorcycle rides to family reunions to fireworks to sporting events. Most of these activities are perfectly 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-related hearing loss.
Over time, very loud noises can trigger damage to your ears. As a result, you experience hearing loss. This kind of hearing loss has no cure.
There is no cure, though this type of hearing loss can be effectively controlled. Increasing your awareness of these prevalent loud noises can help you better control risks and develop prevention strategies, so you can protect your hearing over the long run. With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy your summer fun and safeguard your hearing health.
Is it really that loud during the summer?
Summer might be one of those times of year in which noise risks are easiest to overlook. Some of the most common dangerously loud noises include the following:
- Routine lawn care: This might include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. These tools have extremely loud powerful motors. It’s worth pointing out that entirely electric motors are usually quieter.
- Loud concerts: Even outdoor concerts present significant risks to your hearing health. After all, these events are designed to be as loud as possible.
- Sporting events: Crowd noise can damage your hearing, especially at events like auto racing or monster truck rallies.
- Driving: Taking 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 tough on your ears. This is especially true if the sound happens for long intervals without breaks.
- Routine use of power tools: Home improvement projects are great activities during the summer. But power tools, in general, are typically quite loud. Your hearing health is in increasing danger the more you use these tools.
- Fireworks events: Many areas have fireworks displays monthly or more during the summer. They occur at holiday celebrations, sporting events, and impromptu neighborhood gatherings. But fireworks shows are easily loud enough to cause irreversible hearing damage.
The volume level that’s regarded as where damage begins to occur is about 85 dB. This is around the range of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. That’s significant to be aware of because these sounds may not seem particularly noisy. But that doesn’t mean that such volumes won’t result in damage.
How can I prevent noise-related hearing loss?
Noise-induced hearing loss impacts millions of people every year. Noise-related hearing loss can occur at any age, unlike age-related hearing loss. Prevention is important for this precise 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 a lot better than nothing! An inexpensive pair of disposable earplugs can help prevent considerable damage if you find yourself in a noisy environment all of a sudden.
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: 85 dB might not seem like a lot, but you would probably be surprised how fast sounds can escalate above that minimum threshold. At these volume levels, even your headphones or earbuds can quickly start harming your hearing. There are numerous reliable apps available for smartphones that can help you monitor ambient noise levels, so you can be more aware of when your surroundings become harmful to your hearing.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: The more noisy the environment, the more you should regulate your time. Your ears can be safeguarded from long-term damage in this way. If you’re at a noisy sporting event, for example, go to a quieter spot every thirty minutes or so.
- Turn down the volume at home: Your ears can get a break by simply reducing the volume on your devices. When everything is loud all the time, damage can progress much faster.
- Wear hearing protection: If you cannot avoid noisy situations (or don’t want to miss out on particular fun activities), you can get a set of quality ear muffs or ear plugs. Wear this hearing protection when 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 especially effective.
- Get your hearing checked: Sometimes, hearing loss sneaks up on you really slowly. It could take years to notice in many instances. Frequently, the only way to determine whether you have any noise-related hearing loss is to have your hearing checked. We’ll be able to talk about how to prevent additional damage, which treatment options 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 attended a loud fireworks display, make sure your next day is a quiet one. Additional and more significant damage can be prevented by giving your ears a chance to rest and recuperate.
You don’t need to resign yourself to getting noise-related hearing loss. You’re hearing can be preserved by utilizing prevention strategies. You can safeguard your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the proper approach.
Talking to us can help begin your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!
