Work & Leisure Activities That Could Contribute to Hearing Loss

It can be easy to take your hearing for granted until it starts to decline. Hearing loss is not just an ear issue but also a communication issue, allowing us to communicate clearly with the people in our lives. While hearing loss is commonly thought of as something that elderly deal with, it actually affects people of all ages. One of the largest causes of hearing loss for people of all ages is caused by exposure to noise. According to CDC information published in 2012, based on hearing tests, approximately 10 million adults or 6 percent of the US population, displayed symptoms of noise induced hearing loss. Noise induced hearing loss is exposure to dangerous levels of noise to the point in which it affects your hearing permanently. This can happen at a low level of hazardous noise over an extended amount of month or years. It can also occur very quickly depending on the decibel level of the sound. Many people expose themselves to hearing damage while at work or even while engaging in leisure activities. The more aware you are about the sources of noise exposure, the more steps you can take to avoid or protect yourself from these situations.

Night Clubs and Concerts

One of the most common places to injure your hearing is while enjoying a concert or at a club. These are often environments where you are not thinking about your hearing or your health, but simply enjoying the moment. Even in a state of joy you are not immune to permanent hearing damage. Most concerts amplify at levels of 100dBA or higher. At this level hearing can be permanently damaged in just moments. It is important to bring earplugs to concerts and nightclubs. Wear them proudly, like a fashion statement and let people know you take hearing protection seriously. Noise exposure at high levels over eight hours is one of the largest causes of hearing damage.

Sporting Events and Stadiums

Similarly to concerts and nightclubs, while these events can cause us excitement and joy, they can be a place of serious hearing damage. Frighteningly, with the sounds of cheering fans and loudspeakers, decibel levels at a sporting event have the potential soar from 105 to a debilitating level of 130 dB. Levels this high can cause our ears to physically hurt and cause irreversible damage. The Guinness World Record for loudness at a sporting event recorded a Seattle Seahawks game, which reached 131.9 decibels!

Hunting and Shooting

Many people enjoy hunting, shooting to unwind, enjoy the outdoors and even provide a meal. It is important to understand all the risks involved and follow proper safety precautions. The level of a gun firing can easily reach 130 dB, which can damage your ears instantly, if you are not wearing ear protection. Invest in the highest level of hearing protection and don’t take a shot without it!

Motorcycling and other loud engines

If you enjoy the power and adrenaline of a motorcycle, motorboat or Jet Ski it is important to also play safe. Unlike most cars which shield us from the sound of the engine and wind, motorcycles expose us to the roaring sound of wind at 70 mph, which can add up to 100db easily. This is not even accounting for the loud engine sounds of motorcycles and other outdoor recreational vehicles. If you enjoy the thrill of riding, make sure to play it safe and wear molded earplugs that can fit under your helmet. The most effective earplugs are custom fit for your ears and can lower decibel levels as low as 30 dB.

Headphones

Sometimes it’s our everyday recreational activities that can damage our ears the most. If you enjoy listening to music, podcasts or video games on headphones this can put your ears at serious risk. Headphones can emit sounds higher than 100 dB, damaging your ears quickly. Make sure to keep the level of your headphones lower than 60% of available volume and take listening breaks every hour. To learn more about ways to protect your hearing or to schedule a hearing test, contact us today!