Strategies to Avoid Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

The typical summer day is usually filled with fun experiences and happenings, from motorcycle rides to family reunions to fireworks to sporting events. The majority 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. This hearing damage could be due to anything from a roaring motorcycle engine to the booms of a fireworks show.

Over time, really loud noises can trigger damage to your ears. As a result, you experience hearing loss. Noise-related hearing loss is effectively irreversible.

There is no cure, though this form of hearing loss can be effectively controlled. Over the long run, you can safeguard your hearing and avoid damage by being aware of prevalent sources of loud noise and formulating 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 overlook. Some of the most common hazardously loud noises include the following:

• Routine use of power tools: Home improvement projects are ideal activities during the summer. But it’s significant to remember that all of those power tools can be quite noisy. The more you use these tools, the more your hearing risk increases.
• Driving: Going for a Sunday drive is very popular, but the wind rushing into your windows (or all around you if you happen to be driving a convertible) can be hard on your ears. This is particularly true if the sound happens for long intervals without breaks.
• Sporting events: Any time you’re around loud 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).
• Loud concerts: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they are outside concerts. After all, these events are planned to be as loud as possible.
• Fireworks events: Many towns have fireworks displays monthly or more during the summer. They happen at holiday celebrations, sporting events, and impromptu neighborhood gatherings. But fireworks shows are easily loud enough to cause irreversible hearing damage.
• Routine lawn care: This may include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. The powerful motors in most of these mechanical tools are extremely loud. It’s worth noting that entirely electric motors are often quieter.

In general, sounds above 85dB are considered to be harmful. The average hair dryer, blender, or lawnmower is around this volume. These sounds may not seem particularly loud so this is significant to note. But the volume of these devices can result in hearing damage over time.

Preventing noise-induced hearing damage

Noise-related hearing loss effects millions of individuals each year. Noise-induced hearing loss can happen at any age, unlike age-related hearing loss. Prevention is important for this precise reason. Here are a few of the most helpful prevention strategies:

• Wear hearing protection: If you cannot avoid loud environments (or don’t want to miss out on particular fun activities), you can invest in a set of good ear muffs or ear plugs. When you’re in environments that are too noisy, use this protection to your advantage. Damage can be avoided in this way. Custom hearing protection devices tailored to your ears and your hearing can be especially effective.
• 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 quickly begin harming your ears. You can become more aware of when volume levels begin to get too high by downloading a volume monitoring app for your cellphone.
• 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 prevent further and more significant damage.
• Limit your time in noisy environments: The louder the environment, the more you should regulate your time. Your ears can be protected from long-term damage in this way. If you’re at a noisy sporting event, for instance, go to a quieter area every thirty minutes or so.
• 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 progress more quickly.
• Get your hearing checked: In some cases, hearing loss creeps up on you really gradually. It could take years to detect in many instances. Getting your hearing checked can help you determine whether you have noise-induced hearing loss. We’ll be able to talk about how to counter further damage, which treatment solutions may be appropriate, and how to keep your hearing as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
• Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Disposable earplugs aren’t as reliable as more customized types, but they’re much better than nothing! If you find yourself suddenly in a loud environment, a cheap set of disposable earplugs can help prevent substantial hearing damage.

You don’t need to resign yourself to having noise-related hearing loss. 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 strategy.

Begin your journey towards better hearing by giving us a call for an appointment.