Now that it’s June, we’re starting to get excited about the sounds of summer! From children playing underfoot at the family barbecue to waves splashing on the beach at your tropical getaway, summer is full of sounds that you want to fully immerse yourself in. Set yourself up for success by checking in with your hearing health.
Noise Exposure in the Summer
While we love the sounds of summer, it’s also worth being cautious about hazardous noise levels. Noise-induced hearing loss, or NIHL, is the second most common type of hearing loss, affecting an estimated 30 million people. Some common things in the summer that might affect hearing are:
- Concerts and music festivals, especially those that go for multiple days
- Lawnmowers, weed whackers and other motorized yardwork tools
- ATVs and other recreational vehicles
- Sports events
- Going to the movies
- Power tools for DIY home improvement projects
- Fireworks
Early Signs of Hearing Damage
NIHL can occur gradually or suddenly, depending on the noise you were exposed to; the louder the noise, the shorter the time to onset. Whether it’s gradual or immediate, here are the signs to watch for that indicate damage:
- Muffled sounds
- Difficulty hearing speech
- Inability to hear high-pitched sounds
- Sound sensitivity (hyperacusis)
- A feeling of fullness in your ear
- Ears ringing (tinnitus)
Early Summer Hearing Tests
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that you get your hearing tested every year after your 65th birthday. If you haven’t done your hearing test yet for this year, there’s no time like the present. You may find an early summer hearing test most beneficial, so you know you’re going into the dynamic summer season with healthy hearing. You want to accept invitations to parties, participate in family conversations and enjoy your summer plans without fear.
Protecting Your Hearing Throughout the Summer
Another big step you can take for healthy hearing this summer is to be proactive with hearing protection. If you’re going to be doing any activity that might have elevated noise levels (such as any of the activities listed above), get proper hearing protection and make sure you take breaks from loud noise.
If you have any questions about hearing protection or if you’re ready to schedule your mid-year annual hearing test, call us at The House Institute. We’re happy to answer your questions and get you scheduled for an appointment.