Avoiding Noise-Related Hearing Loss

Hearing Rehabilitation Center • Jul 05, 2024

The average summer day is usually filled with fun experiences and happenings, from motorcycle rides to family outings 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. That’s because loud noises, over time, can harm your ability to hear. A loud motorcycle engine or a roaring crowd could be causing long-term, noise-related hearing loss.

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

There is no cure, but 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 simple adjustments, you can enjoy your summer fun and safeguard your hearing health.

Is summer really that noisy?

It can be really easy to overlook noise risks during the summer months. Some of the most prevalent dangerously loud noises include the following:

  • Fireworks events : Many towns have fireworks displays monthly or more during the summer. From neighborhood parties to holiday festivities to sporting events, fireworks shows are everywhere during the summer months. But fireworks shows are easily loud enough to cause irreversible hearing damage.
  • Routine lawn care : Included in this category are chainsaws, weed wackers, leaf blowers, and lawnmowers. These tools have really loud powerful motors. Motors that run on electricity rather than gas are usually much quieter, though.
  • Loud concerts : Even outdoor concerts have significant risks to your hearing health. These events are, after all, meant to be really loud.
  • Sporting events : Crowd noise can harm your hearing, especially at events such as 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 happen to be driving a convertible) can be tough on your ears. And the risk becomes exponentially worse the longer you are exposed.
  • Routine use of power tools : Summer is an ideal time for home improvement projects. But it’s important to remember that all of those power tools can be rather noisy. Your hearing health is in increasing risk the more you utilize these tools.

The volume level that’s considered to be where damage begins to occur is around 85 dB. A typical hair dryer, blender, or lawnmower is about this volume. These sounds may not seem especially loud so this is important to note. 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 individuals each year. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-related hearing loss can happen at any age. Prevention is significant for this exact reason. Here are a few of the most practical prevention strategies:

  • Download a sound level detection app to your phone : 85 dB might not seem like a lot, but you would most likely be surprised how fast sounds can increase above that minimum threshold. Even your earbuds and headphones can start to do damage at these volume levels. You can become more conscious of when volume levels begin to get too loud by downloading a volume monitoring app for your cellphone.
  • Give your ears a break (and time to recover) : If you attended a loud fireworks show, make sure your next day is a quiet one. This can give your ears more time to recuperate and prevent further and more significant damage.
  • Wear hearing protection : If you cannot avoid noisy situations (or don’t want to miss out on certain fun activities), you can invest in a pair of good ear muffs or ear plugs. Use this hearing protection when you need to, when you are in situations that are loud. This can help prevent damage. You can be particularly benefited by using hearing protection costume designed for you.
  • Get your hearing checked : Hearing loss usually doesn’t happen all of a sudden. Many people won’t notice the symptoms for months or years. Getting your hearing checked can help you determine whether you have noise-related hearing loss. We’ll be able to go over how to prevent further damage, which treatment solutions may be appropriate, and how to keep your hearing as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
  • Limit your time in noisy environments : The louder the environment, the more you should limit your time. This can help avoid long-term damage to your hearing. Every thirty minutes or so, when you’re at a noisy sporting event, for instance, go and spend some time in a less noisy area.
  • Use disposable earplugs when you have to : Using disposable earplugs might not be as effective 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 significant hearing damage.
  • Turn down the volume at home : Your ears can get a rest by simply lowering the volume on your devices. Damage will advance more rapidly 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. You’re hearing can be preserved by utilizing prevention strategies. You can protect your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the correct approach.

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

Call Today to Set Up an Appointment

What Can You Expect to Learn From a Hearing Test?

By Hearing Rehabilitation Center • 17 Jul, 2024
Wondering if a hearing test is worthwhile? Here are just a few things hearing tests can show.

Understanding the Link Between Nutrition and Hearing Health

By Hearing Rehabilitation Center • 11 Jul, 2024
The negative effect poor nutrition has on mental and physical health is well known, but did you know it could also impact hearing health?
Share by: