Summer is now in full swing in Massachusetts. With this comes backyard BBQs, trips to the lake or ocean and lots of quality family time. But with these summer fun activities does come some risks, especially when it comes to your hearing health.
Many popular summer activities can be hazardous to your ears because of their high decibel levels. This includes activities such as:
- Mowing the yard
- Using power tools
- Driving motorized vehicles
- Attending sporting events and concerts
- Watching a firework show
The good news is that summer does not need to be canceled. You just need to follow the simple tips your Chelmsford audiologist put together to help you protect yourself this summer.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Before we get to the tips, it is important for you to understand why some sounds can harm your hearing. Sounds are measured in decibels (dB). Anything over 85 dB can cause hearing loss after a certain amount of time. To put that into perspective
- Normal conversation registers around 60 dB
- Heavy Chelmsford traffic is right around 85 dB, which can cause damage within 8 hours
- A chainsaw registers around 100 dB, which can cause damage within 15 minutes
- A rock concert is around 120 dB, which can cause damage immediately
Hearing Protection Tips
Use earplugs. If you are going to be exposed to loud sounds, think attending the concert you bought tickets to six months ago, then you better prepare. Disposable earplugs can be purchased from any Massachusetts pharmacy; they are typically made of foam or silicone and work by preventing the dangerously loud sounds from reaching your ear.
If you frequently find yourself in loud situations, you may want to think of investing in custom-made ear protection. These earplugs are available at your Chelmsford audiologist’s office and are made from a mold of your ear to ensure a perfect fit and dependable protection.
Leave the fireworks to the professionals. Just because fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts does not mean you didn’t drive your car over the border into New Hampshire to pick some up. While your backyard celebration may not rival the Boston Pops Firework Spectacular, any amount of fireworks are dangerous to your ears. The bang from a single firecracker at close range can cause immediate and permanent hearing loss.
When watching fireworks, make sure you are enjoying them from a safe distance. Earplugs can ensure an extra level pf protection without distracting from the festivities.
Easy as apple pie, right? To learn more about protecting your hearing this summer or to schedule an appointment, contact your Chelmsford or Nashua audiology office.