Summertime Activities That Increase Hearing Loss Risk

Did you know aging isn’t the primary cause of hearing loss – noise is? And the more you listen to noise or loud sounds, the more likely you are to damage your hearing. There is a strong correlation between excessive noise and hearing loss. The intensity of sound is measured in units called decibels (dB). When you expose your ears to sounds above 85 dB, especially for long periods of time, you risk permanently damaging the tiny hair cells in your inner ear that carry sound information to your brain.

Enjoy the summer sunshine, but be aware that summertime has more than its fair share of loud noise and some activities could damage your hearing. To be on the safe side try not to expose your ears to sounds in excess of 80 decibels (dB). If you do, limit the amount of time you are exposed to the noise. Even better, wear hearing protection when you know you’ll be in a noisy listening environment. Here are some summertime activities to watch out for.

Riding a motorcycle

Hopping on a motorcycle is a great way to see the sights during the summer months, but noise levels as high as 100 dB coming from a motorcycle can damage your hearing and the hearing of those around you. Some states have laws that limit the noise a motorcycle can make, but some motorcycles still have exhaust systems that exceed safe levels. Keep in mind that noise levels increase at faster speeds. A good way to reduce the damage is to wear earplugs when you ride. 

Sporting events

It’s fun to scream for your favorite team at a sporting event, but when everyone around you is doing it too, the noise level goes through the roof. The amount of noise at sporting events varies from 85 dB to beyond 105 dB. If you attend lots of functions, you may experience hearing loss over time, as the damage is cumulative. Also, it’s not uncommon for people to suffer temporary hearing loss or ringing of the ears after a loud sporting event and permanent damage over time.

Rock concerts 

Noise levels at outdoor summertime rock concerts ranges from 100 dB to 110 dB, more than enough to damage your hearing. At a noise level this high, you can sustain damage in as little as 15 minutes of exposure. When attending your favorite concerts, invest in special earplugs for music that protect your hearing while still letting you enjoy the quality of the music – it’s a smart investment.

Yard work

Yes, the grass does need to be cut, but make sure you wear earplugs when you do it. Some lawnmowers expose your ears to 105 decibels of noise, well above safe levels, and the longer you mow the lawn, the more exposure you get. People who mow lawns for a living are at especially high risk for hearing loss. It does not matter if you use a push lawn mower or a riding one; you’re still blasting your ears with excessive levels of noise.

Fireworks 

July 4th fireworks expose your ears to an astounding 150 dB of noise. If you take part in the Independence Day festivities, wear ear protection and stay at least 500 feet from the display. Every year, people suffer temporary and permanent hearing loss from fireworks. Don’t be one of them.

The bottom line

It only takes a few minutes to pop in a pair of earplugs. Your hearing care professional can help you select the best device for protecting your hearing, or they can make custom-made earplugs just for you. Your hearing is worth it!