Common Sounds of Summer That Can Cause Hearing Loss

We all enjoy summer in similar ways: through the joy of live music outdoors to the thrill of brilliant fireworks at 4th of July celebrations. While these are certainly wonderful ways to enjoy the gathering of family, friends and our kids who are out of school, the sounds of summer have a hidden cost and that is hearing damage. No one wants to rain on the parade, but it’s true you do have to take precautions even when enjoying fun things like sporting events and concerts. You should wear ear plugs when exposed to anything over 85 decibels, but there are other preventive measures to take when heading out to a music festival or race. Let’s look at these hearing loss-inducing summer events and how you can avoid their perils.

Sports Events

With the roar of the crowd contributing to the noise levels at a sporting event, the risk of hearing loss is compounded with the rev of the race cars on the track. This is why racing is the most dangerous in terms of the potential for hearing damage. While the seemingly death-defying race car drivers ripping up the track can induce awe in fans, those 115 decibels of noise can bring on temporary or long-term hearing loss.

Fireworks

Summer and fireworks go hand in hand. There’s nothing like sitting with family on a blanket staring up at the beautiful lights of a fireworks display. However, the 155 decibels of noise each explosion makes can result in a serious hearing damage in young and old. Park yourselves far away from the area where the fireworks are being set off to avoid this risk.

Machine Noises

Are you surprised that the noises produced by lawn maintenance machines, such as lawn mowers and leaf blowers, can reach 100 decibels? It’s a fact. Because you’ve probably heard these sounds throughout the neighborhood on a sunny day in the summer, think next time about the toll it’s taking on your hearing. Being exposed to these droning loud noises over many hours can result in prolonged exposure leading to hearing loss.

Concerts

While music festivals make for a fun day camping out at your local park or beach, take a look at those speakers generating 115 decibels of sound just to reach the ears of everyone in the arena. That can lead to hearing damage, so instead of sitting way up close, take a seat near the back where the risk of hearing loss is far less.

Preventive Actions

While no one’s saying you can’t take part in these fun summer events, approach them with a bit of moderation. Two main ways you can cut down on hearing loss? First, cut your time short at loud events such as races and concerts. Stay for a portion. Likewise with mowing the lawn. Take frequent breaks in between. Second, invest in a good set of ear plugs or noise cancelling head phones. The use of ear plugs can go a long way toward curbing hearing loss.

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