The typical summer day is likely filled with fun experiences and happenings, from motorcycle rides to family outings to fireworks to sporting events. And while most of these activities are healthy, many can present invisible risks to your hearing health. Over time, the loud noises that come with 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-induced hearing loss.
Over time, really loud noises can cause damage to your ears. The consequence of this exposure is loss of hearing. This kind of hearing loss has no cure.
Even though this kind of hearing loss has no cure, it can be effectively treated. Over the long run, you can protect your hearing and avoid damage by being aware of common sources of loud noise and developing prevention strategies. With a few basic adjustments, you can enjoy your summer fun and protect your hearing health.
Is it really that loud during the summer?
Summer might be one of those times of year in which noise hazards are easiest to miss. Here are a few of the most common and also most hazardous:
- Fireworks events: Summer has lots of fireworks. From neighborhood parties to holiday festivities to sporting events, fireworks shows are everywhere during the summer months. But fireworks shows are definitely loud enough to cause irreversible hearing damage.
- Driving: Taking a Sunday drive is incredibly popular, but the wind rushing into your windows (or all around you if you happen to be driving a convertible) can be tough on your ears. This is especially true if the sound happens for long durations without breaks.
- Routine lawn care: This category includes chainsaws, weed wackers, leaf blowers, and lawnmowers. The powerful motors in most of these mechanical tools are incredibly loud. Motors that run on electricity instead of gas are normally quite a bit quieter, though.
- Sporting events: Any time you’re in loud crowds, you could 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: Home improvement projects are ideal activities during the summer. But power tools, in general, are often really loud. The more you use these tools, the more your hearing risk increases.
- Loud concerts: Even outdoor concerts have considerable hazards to your hearing health. These events are, after all, intended to be quite loud.
Generally speaking, sounds louder than 85dB are considered to be damaging. A typical hair dryer, blender, or lawnmower is about this volume. That’s significant to take note of because these sounds might not seem particularly noisy. But the volume of these devices can cause hearing damage over time.
How can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
Noise-related hearing loss impacts millions of people every year. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-related hearing loss can present at any age. Prevention is significant for this precise reason. Some of the most effective prevention strategies include the following:
- Turn down the volume at home: Your ears can get a rest by simply lowering the volume on your devices. When everything is loud all the time, damage can advance much faster.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: If your environment is really noisy, you need to regulate your exposure time. Your ears can be protected from long-term damage in this way. If you’re at a noisy sporting event, for example, walk to a quieter area every thirty minutes or so.
- Get your hearing checked: Sometimes, hearing loss sneaks up on you really gradually. It could take years to detect in many cases. Frequently, the only way to determine whether you have any noise-related hearing loss is to get your hearing examined. We’ll be able to go over 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.
- 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 increase above that minimum threshold. Even your earbuds and headphones can begin to do damage at these volume levels. There are numerous dependable apps available for smartphones that can help you monitor ambient noise levels, so you can be more aware of when your surroundings become dangerous to your hearing.
- 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 prevent further and more significant damage.
- Wear hearing protection: If you cannot avoid loud situations (or don’t want to miss out on certain fun activities), you can get a pair of quality ear muffs or ear plugs. When you are in environments that are too loud, use this protection to your advantage. Damage can be avoided in this way. You can be particularly benefited by making use of hearing protection costume designed for you.
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Disposable earplugs aren’t as reliable as more customized types, but they’re far better than nothing! If you find yourself abruptly in a loud environment, a cheap pair of disposable earplugs can help prevent significant hearing damage.
Noise-induced hearing loss is not unavoidable. You’re hearing can be maintained by utilizing prevention strategies. You can protect your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the correct strategy.
Consulting with us can help begin your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!