Avoiding Noise-Related Hearing Loss

From sporting events to family gatherings to fireworks shows to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with enjoyable activities. 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 accompany some of these activities can cause permanent hearing damage. This hearing damage could be the result of anything from the roar of a motorcycle engine to the booms of a fireworks show.

Over time, really loud noises can trigger damage to your ears. As a consequence, you experience hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is irreversible.

Although this kind of hearing loss can’t be cured, it can be effectively treated. Over the long run, you can safeguard your hearing and prevent damage by being aware of common sources of loud noise and developing prevention strategies. With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy your summer fun and safeguard your hearing health.

Is it actually that loud during the summer?

Summer might be one of those times of year where noise risks are easiest to miss. Some of the most prevalent hazardously loud noises include the following:

• Fireworks events: Many areas have fireworks displays every month or more during the summer. They happen at holiday celebrations, sporting events, and impromptu neighborhood gatherings. Regrettably, fireworks are incredibly loud and can definitely cause damage to your hearing.
• Driving: If you’re driving with the windows down, the wind noise can reach hazardous volumes in your ears and this is even more pertinent if you drive a convertible. And the risk becomes exponentially worse the longer you’re exposed.
• Sporting events: Crowd noise can harm your hearing, especially at events such as auto racing or monster truck rallies.
• Loud concerts: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they are outdoor concerts. These events are, after all, meant to be quite loud.
• Routine use of power tools: Summer is an ideal time for home improvement projects. But it’s significant to remember that all of those power tools can be really noisy. Your hearing health is in increasing risk the more you use these tools.
• Routine lawn care: This may include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. The powerful motors in many of these mechanical tools are extremely loud. Motors that run on electricity rather than gas are typically quite a bit quieter, though.

The volume level that’s regarded as where damage begins to happen is around 85 dB. This is about the volume of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. These sounds might not seem particularly loud so this is significant to note. But the volume of these devices can result in hearing damage over time.

How can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?

Each year, millions of people are impacted by hearing loss. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-related hearing loss can present at any age. That’s why prevention is so essential. Here are some of the most practical prevention strategies:

• Give your ears a break (and time to recover): Spend a quieter next day after going to a fireworks display. Additional and more substantial damage can be prevented by giving your ears a chance to rest and recuperate.
• 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! 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: Simply turning down the volume on your TV and music playing devices can help give your ears some rest and a chance to recuperate. When everything is loud all the time, damage can progress much faster.
• Get your hearing checked: Hearing loss normally doesn’t happen suddenly. It could take years to detect in many circumstances. Often, the only way to determine whether you have any noise-induced hearing loss is to get your hearing checked. We will help you understand how to keep your hearing healthy for years to come and talk about treatment solutions for any hearing loss you may already have.
• Wear hearing protection: Keep a set of ear plugs or ear muffs on hand in case you can’t or aren’t willing to avoid specific noisy situations. When you’re in environments that are too noisy, use this protection to your advantage. Damage can be avoided in this way. You can be especially benefited by utilizing hearing protection costume made for you.
• Limit your time in noisy environments: If your environment is really loud, you need to regulate your exposure time. Your ears can be safeguarded from long-term damage in this way. If you’re at a noisy sporting event, for instance, walk to a quieter spot every thirty minutes or so.
• Download a sound level detection app to your phone: You may be surprised at just how fast sounds can escalate above that 85dB danger zone level. At these volume levels, even your headphones or earbuds can rapidly begin harming your hearing. You can become more conscious of when volume levels start to get too loud by downloading a volume monitoring app for your cellphone.

You don’t need to resign yourself to getting noise-induced hearing loss. You’re hearing can be maintained by making use of prevention strategies. With the proper strategy, you can enjoy all that summer, or any other season, has to offer and protect your hearing.

Consulting with us can help begin your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!