We love the summer! It’s great to get outdoors and enjoy all the fun activities and events that happen at this time of year. We know about protecting ourselves from sun damage, by wearing sunscreen while we’re out and about in the sunshine. But how many of us think about protecting our hearing?
Many of the activities we enjoy throughout the summertime can actually harm our hearing. And some of them might surprise you.
Outdoor concerts and festivals
Much of the sound at indoor concerts is absorbed. But at an outdoor event the sound disperses, which can mean that the music gets turned up even louder. Sound levels at concerts are often above 100 dB, which is well above the recommended 85 dB limit which is considered potentially harmful to hearing.
To prevent damage, position yourself away from the speakers and take a pair of disposable or custom fit earplugs with you.
Motorbikes and speedboats
It’s not the engine noise that can damage your hearing, but the wind noise. Riding a motorbike at 65 miles per hour can produce wind noise levels in excess of 103 dB. And that’s louder than a chainsaw.
Being exposed to sound levels in excess of 115 dB, for just 15 minutes, is enough to result in permanent hearing damage. So it’s a good idea to invest in a pair of custom fit noise plugs have a sound bore through the mould into which a filter is fitted. This permits reception of conversational speech, aeration and changes in air pressure in your ear canal.
Fireworks displays
Fireworks can create a sound upwards of 125 dB, which is loud enough to damage your hearing.
Protect your hearing and that of any children that are going along with you with earplugs or ear defenders. You can find a great range of hearing protection products for kids on the Action on Hearing Loss website.
Parades and carnivals
You might not think of a parade or carnival as being risky to hearing, but babies and toddlers are particularly vulnerable to the noise of marching bands, sirens, loud sound systems and revving engines because of their shorter ear canals. Protect your little ones with ear defenders.
Gardening
Yes we did say gardening! Any noise measuring in excess of 85 dB has the potential to be harmful to hearing. A lot of gardening equipment, such as hedge trimmers, leaf blowers or lawn mowers make a noise of between 80 dB and 105 dB. So it’s a good idea to take proper precautions, like wearing earplugs, to help protect your hearing while gardening this summer.
Motorsport
Most races average between 90 dB and 115 dB, depending on the types of cars, acoustics of the track and viewing location. But sound levels can reach as high as 130 dB - the human hearing threshold for pain. This noise level will put you at real risk for hearing damage and tinnitus. So if you’re heading to the track, bring your earplugs. They won’t detract from your experience but they will save your hearing down the road.
Air shows
Being close to the action can be exciting but dangerous for your hearing and that of your children. The sound of jet engine at takeoff is around 140 dB
Young children are especially vulnerable to hearing damage because their shorter ear canals cause the sound pressure entering the ear to be greater. So remember to bring hearing protection for the whole family.
Target shooting
Most firearms create noise that’s above 140 dB - enough to cause immediate hearing damage. Even the smaller caliber firearms are above 120 dB. You should always wear earplugs when shooting.
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Football matches
The new Premiere League season starts on Saturday 13 August. During the 2014/15 season the Press Association recorded decibel levels at all Premier League grounds over two weekends, each team playing both at home and away. The loudest fans are Manchester United’s. They cheer their team on at a whopping 167 dB!
Hearing protection is essential at these noise levels to protect against the risk of hearing damage, especially for children.
We really hope that you get the opportunity to enjoy all the summer has to offer, but protect your hearing at the same time. And if you experience any ringing or buzzing in the ears, be sure to see your doctor or a hearing care professional straight away.
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