We wait for it all year: that time when the kids are off school, you’re taking time off for vacations and the weather is beautiful. You likely take off on road trips for music festivals or hit up your local beach for weekly fireworks displays. However, don’t get too caught up in the magic of these events without putting some thought into how those sounds are affecting your hearing. Because hearing damage is possible when exposed to 85 decibels or more, you would be wise to take precautions and protect your ears. Let’s explore the common summer sounds that may bring about hearing damage and how to avoid them at all costs.
Machine Noises
Lawn mowers and related lawn care machines are prevalent on any given summer morning, and often times last throughout the day. If you’ve ever seen landscaping companies working on a hot summer day, you’ll notice they are wearing headphones to cancel out the noise. That’s because landscaping machines can emit 100 or more decibels, which is enough to lead to long-term hearing damage. Prolonged exposure all day long to a lawn mower is harmful and should be avoided.
Concerts
There is nothing like listening to some music while enjoying the balmy summer air. While many music festivals are scheduled to take advantage of the beautiful weather and availability of many fans, the speakers designed to be heard throughout a large stadium are a common cause of hearing loss, especially in young adults. It is recommended that people wear ear plugs at rock concerts, which emit decibels over 115.
Fireworks
Fireworks light up the night sky and the faces of the eager little ones around it. They can be exciting ways to celebrate local and national celebrations. However, along with the awe and adoration, there’s also a great deal of noise. Be cautious and watch the display from a distance rather than getting too close to the staging area. With explosions coming in at an incredible 150 decibels, this can cause significant hearing loss.
Sports Events
Heading out to a sporting event exposes you to a high level of crowd noise, to be sure, but another source of hearing-inducing loud noises come from the players themselves. This is certainly the case with race car driving. In addition to the constant rumble of the crowd, the deafening noise of the cars roaring around the track can generate sounds that reach up to 115 decibels. You could be put at risk for total temporary hearing loss and long-term hearing injuries.
Take Precautions for Hearing Protection
Be aware of two main ways you can protect your hearing from the damaging levels of noise present at many events through the summer. The first is to limit the time that you spend around loud noises. Mow your lawn in shorter bursts and refrain from staying for an entire music festival so you can cut down on your chances of falling victim to hearing loss. Secondly, guard against hearing loss by wearing ear plugs when you attend noisy events such as races and music festivals. They’re not hard to find – your pharmacy and even concert venues will sell them.
