The average summer day is usually filled with fun experiences and happenings, from motorcycle rides to family outings to fireworks to sporting events. And while the majority of these activities are safe, many can present invisible risks to your hearing health. Over time, the loud noises that accompany some of these experiences can result in permanent hearing damage. This hearing damage could be the result of anything from a roaring motorcycle engine to the booms of a fireworks display.
Over time, very loud noises can cause damage to your ears. As a consequence, you experience hearing loss. This kind of hearing loss is irreversible.
There is no cure, though this form of hearing loss can be effectively managed. Over the long run, you can protect your hearing and prevent damage by being aware of prevalent sources of loud noise and formulating prevention strategies. You can safeguard the health of your hearing while still enjoying summer fun by utilizing a few simple adjustments.
Is it really that loud during the summer?
Summer may be one of those times of year in which noise hazards are easiest to overlook. Here are some of the most common and also most harmful:
- Routine lawn care: This may include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. These tools have very loud powerful motors. It’s worth noting that purely electric motors are usually quieter.
- Fireworks events: Summer is full of fireworks. From neighborhood parties to holiday celebrations to sporting events, fireworks displays are everywhere during the summer months. But fireworks shows are easily loud enough to cause permanent hearing damage.
- Routine use of power tools: Home improvement projects are perfect activities during the summer. But power tools, in general, are typically really loud. Your hearing health is in increasing danger the more you utilize these tools.
- Loud concerts: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they are outdoor concerts. These events are, after all, meant to be quite loud.
- Sporting events: Crowd noise can damage your hearing, particularly at events like auto racing or monster truck rallies.
- Driving: Going for 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 hard on your ears. And the risk becomes dramatically worse the longer you are exposed.
In general, sounds louder than 85dB are considered to be harmful. This is around the range of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. These sounds might not seem especially loud so this is important to note. 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 significant for this exact reason. Here are some of the most practical prevention strategies:
- Wear hearing protection: If you can’t avoid loud environments (or don’t want to miss out on certain fun activities), you can invest in a set 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. You can be especially benefited by making use of hearing protection costume designed for you.
- 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. Every thirty minutes or so, when you’re at a loud sporting event, for instance, go and spend some time in a quieter area.
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: You might be surprised at just how rapidly sounds can increase above that 85dB danger zone volume. At these volume levels, even your headphones or earbuds can quickly start damaging your ears. There are numerous dependable apps available for smartphones that can help you track ambient noise levels, so you can be more mindful of when your surroundings become harmful to your hearing.
- Get your hearing checked: Sometimes, hearing loss creeps up on you quite gradually. It could take years to detect in many circumstances. Having your hearing checked can help you identify whether you have noise-related hearing loss. We’ll be able to go over how to prevent further 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): Spend a quieter next day after going to a fireworks display. This can give your ears more time to recover and avoid further and more significant damage.
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Making use of 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 suddenly in a noisy environment, a cheap pair of disposable earplugs can help prevent substantial hearing damage.
- Turn down the volume at home: Your ears can get a rest by simply decreasing the volume on your devices. Damage will advance faster if you’re always listening to your devices at a loud volume.
You don’t need to resign yourself to having noise-related hearing loss. Prevention strategies can help maintain your hearing. With the right approach, you can enjoy all that summer, or any other season, has to offer and safeguard your hearing.
Consulting with us can help start your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!
