Dangerous Summer Sounds

The sounds that we enjoy in summer are nostalgic and so much fun, but can also cause severe damage to our hearing. Be alert towards extremely loud sounds that we may take for granted during the summer and take protective measures so that you can enjoy your summertime as well as your hearing for all your years to come.

One particularly loud source of sound is the sound of fireworks. Although they may be a lot of fun to look at, they can sometimes be overly loud (sometimes exceeding 150 dB), especially if they are within a very close range. Exposure to these sounds may result in short-term damage to hearing or even permanent hearing loss.

People all around the world enjoy listening to music. Summertime is a great time for attending outdoor concerts where the speakers are blaring and the crowds are yelling at the top of their voices. Protect yourself from hearing damage by standing a safe distance away from the stage to prevent direct exposure to the loud noises. An even more effective method of hearing protection would be to wear earplugs during concerts to protect your hearing from any damage due to the loud noises that take place in concerts.

Music can also be harmful to your hearing if you listen to it at a very high volume using earplugs or on your car stereo system. Always keep the volume at a comfortable level, which is a maximum of 60% of the total volume and refrain from listening to music for an uninterrupted, extended period of time.

Summertime can also be a great time to complete some construction or renovations at home. Construction projects involve the use of power tools that are extremely loud, reaching sounds up to 113 dB. Tools such as chain saws, power drills and other heavy machinery can severely damage your hearing. It is imperative to wear ear muffs or other protective gear to protect your ears from hearing damage when operating these tools.

A favorite summertime activity is boating, which is another source of loud sound levels that can reach up to 120 dB. The loud motor engines in boats can adversely affect the hearing in adults and more importantly, in children. As such it is important to limit the exposure time you spend in boats that have loud engines to protect your hearing.

Overall, it is helpful to set a thumb rule when it comes to determining the level of sound that you ought not to exceed at any given moment if possible. You can use this simple rule: If you have to shout while speaking to a person located within a one meter radius, it means that the environmental setting is way too loud. Either relocate to a quieter setting or bring ear protection to help protect your hearing in these loud situations.

In the event that you hear any sort of ringing sensation or discomfort within the ears after any loud activities, contact a hearing are specialist immediately to address any potential hearing damage. Don’t let loud activities ruin your summer fun. Get geared up and have a blast in the sun!