Summer is filled with noise and energy. Activities like boating, doing yardwork and attending outdoor concerts are what build precious summer memories. However, they can also harm your hearing due to their high volumes.
How Loud Noise Harms Hearing
Sound moves in sound waves, which are waves of energy. These waves can do physical damage to the delicate cells inside the cochlea, the main hearing organ in the inner ear.
Sounds at or above 85 decibels (dB) can cause this kind of damage. As the noise gets louder and the decibels get higher, it takes less time for the sound to cause irreversible damage. At 85 dB, it takes about eight hours of continuous exposure to harm hearing. At 120 dB, the damage is immediate.
Summer Noise Hazards
Here are some of the common summer events and activities that can reach dangerous noise levels:
- Concerts (outdoor and indoor)
- Sporting events at an arena or stadium
- Fireworks show
- Boating
- Riding motorcycles, ATVs and other recreational vehicles
- Shooting firearms
- Lawnmower and other yard tools
- Power tools
This isn’t to say you should avoid these activities altogether, but we do want to give you the information you need to protect your hearing as you enjoy these activities.
Hearing Protection
Earplugs and earmuffs are common and effective ways to mitigate noise exposure. These pieces of equipment block or absorb sound waves, so the brunt of the force of the sound wave doesn’t reach the inner ear.
These are useful at concerts, while boating, shooting firearms, using power tools and more. For added protection, consider using custom earplugs or specialty earmuffs that suit the activity you’re doing.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is common in the summer when the weather is hot and humid. Dehydration can impact the fluid balance in your ear, which helps maintain your hearing. Drinking water throughout the day will help keep your ears healthy and functioning optimally.
Be Proactive About Your Hearing Health
If you think you are showing signs of the beginning stages of hearing loss or if you have been exposed to loud noise recently and are worried about the effects on your hearing, call us at Bangor Audiology and we can perform a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Call us today to learn more!