Having the ability to hear is one of the wonders of being human. You want to cherish your hearing, so it’s important that you take care of your ears. Taking preventive measures is the best way to care for your hearing for the long haul. Now that’s summertime many people take advantage of the warm weather to have some fun in the sun. However, some of these summertime activities are loud and can potentially damage your ears. Unfortunately, many people are exposed to these loud noises for an extended period. Being exposed to loud noises can increase your risk for permanent hearing loss. Using motorized recreational vehicles, listening to audio through a pair of headphones, going to concerts, running a lawn mower, and watching fireworks are all very common outdoor summer activities.
It is vital that you protect your ears from the sounds of summer. We can help ensure that you take care of your hearing, while still being able to enjoy the summer. To protect your ears from the loud summer sounds, follow our summertime ear protection tips.
1. When you are using headphones to listen to audio, watch the volume and keep it low. Listening to an iPod at maximum volume can top 100 decibels. 85 decibels is the cutoff for hearing safety, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) so turn down the volume.
2. Follow our steps from our previous article to help avoid swimmer’s ear. It is important to keep in mind that this condition is not just from swimming. While swimmer’s ear is usually not dangerous when promptly treated, it can be very painful. This condition will also keep you out of the water!
3. Increase your distance from the stage, speakers, firework shows, and at any other loud event. By staying a safe distance away, you can reduce your chances of hearing damage. Increasing your distance will contribute to reducing the decibels of the noise reaching your ears.
4. Use earplugs or protective headphones while operating power equipment and loud machines, driving with the windows down, out target shooting, or when you are at a loud show or concert. Doing this will allow you to hear what you are doing while blocking out loud sounds that are dangerous to your hearing. You can find disposable earplugs or protective headphones at your local hardware store.
5. When you are in a loud environment that is constant, make sure you take some time away somewhere quiet. By alternating your time being the loud and quiet environment, you will lessen your chances of damage. It’s good to give your ears a break, so rotate your time and use ear protection.
6. Have regular checkups if your audiologist. Having regular checkups with your audiologist is just as important as having a checkup with your primary doctor. Your ability to hear is a gift that you must maintain, so make sure you do the maintenance. See your audiologist today to help head off any potential hearing health problems.
