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 completely safe and healthy, but some do come with a risk of noise-related hearing loss. Over time, the loud noises that come with some of these activities can cause irreversible hearing damage. A loud motorcycle engine or the roar of a crowd could be causing long-term, noise-induced hearing loss.
What is noise-induced hearing loss? This condition happens when excessively loud noises, over time, cause damage to your hearing. The consequence of this exposure is loss of hearing. Noise-related hearing loss is effectively irreversible.
There is no cure, though this form of hearing loss can be successfully managed. Increasing your awareness of these common loud noises can help you better manage risks and establish prevention strategies, so you can protect 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 risks are easiest to overlook. Some of the most common hazardously loud noises include the following:
- Loud concerts: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they’re outdoor concerts. After all, these events are designed to be as loud as possible.
- Routine lawn care: This could include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. These tools have really loud powerful motors. Motors that run on electricity rather than gas are normally quite a bit quieter, though.
- 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 exponentially worse the longer you’re exposed.
- Fireworks events: Many places have fireworks displays every month 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 cause permanent hearing damage.
- Sporting events: Any time you’re around noisy crowds, you may increase your risk of noise damage (this can be even more relevant at sporting events that feature motorized attractions, including a Nascar race or monster truck rally).
- Routine use of power tools: Summer is a great time for home improvement projects. But power tools, in general, are typically really loud. Your hearing health is in increasing risk the more you utilize these tools.
The volume level that’s regarded as where damage begins to happen is about 85 dB. A typical hair dryer, blender, or lawnmower is around this volume. These sounds may not seem particularly loud so this is important to note. But the volume of these devices can cause hearing damage over time.
Preventing noise-induced hearing damage
Noise-induced hearing loss effects millions of individuals each year. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss can happen at any age. That’s why prevention is so significant. Here are some of the most helpful prevention strategies:
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: 85 dB may not seem like a lot, but you would most likely be surprised how fast sounds can increase above that minimum threshold. At these volume levels, even your headphones or earbuds can rapidly begin damaging your ears. You can become more conscious of when volume levels begin to get too high by downloading a volume monitoring app for your cellphone.
- 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 advance much faster.
- 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 recuperate and avoid further and more substantial damage.
- 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 instance, go to a quieter spot every thirty minutes or so.
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Making use of 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 loud environment, a cheap set of disposable earplugs can help prevent significant hearing damage.
- Get your hearing checked: In some cases, hearing loss creeps up on you really gradually. It could take years to detect in many instances. Often, the only way to find out whether you have any noise-induced hearing loss is to have your hearing checked. We’ll be able to talk about how to prevent additional damage, which treatment options may be appropriate, and how to keep your hearing as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
- Wear hearing protection: Keep a pair of ear plugs or ear muffs on hand in case you can’t or aren’t willing to avoid specific loud situations. Use this hearing protection when you need to, when you are in situations that are noisy. This can help prevent damage. You can be especially benefited by utilizing hearing protection costume made for you.
Noise-induced hearing loss is not inevitable. You’re hearing can be maintained by making use of prevention strategies. You can safeguard your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the correct approach.
Consulting with us can help start your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!
