Summer Activities That Could Cause Hearing Loss

Summertime is a great time to get outside and enjoy the weather. However, there are some activities that can put your hearing at risk. Here are four summer activities that could cause hearing loss and what you can do to protect your hearing.

Going to Concerts or Music Festivals

Going to concerts or music festivals is a great way to enjoy summer, but it can also be dangerous for your hearing. Loud music can easily cause hearing damage, so it’s important to take steps to protect your ears. Wear earplugs when attending these events; they will reduce the volume without compromising your ability to appreciate the music.

You should also take regular breaks away from the loud noise every 20 minutes or so; if you don’t, you could potentially cause damage to your hearing. Additionally, your hearing health professional suggests you try and stay at least 10 feet away from speakers and other loud sources of sound. Finally, be mindful of how long you spend at concerts or music festivals; limit yourself to no more than four hours per day in order to avoid potential damage to your hearing. Taking these precautions can help ensure that you have an enjoyable time without putting your hearing at risk.

Fireworks

Fireworks are a great way to celebrate the Fourth of July and other summer holidays, but they can also cause hearing damage. The loud sounds produced by fireworks can easily reach levels greater than 120 decibels, which is more than enough to cause permanent hearing loss. To avoid potential damage, wear earplugs or earmuffs when watching fireworks; this will reduce the volume without sacrificing your ability to appreciate them. Additionally, it might be a good idea to watch from a distance; the further away you are from fireworks, the less likely you are to experience hearing damage.

All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Riding

ATV riding is an exciting summer activity that doesn’t just bring fun – it can also put your ears at risk. ATVs can produce sounds louder than 100 decibels, which is enough to cause damage to your hearing. To protect yourself, wear earplugs wherever you go riding; this will reduce the noise levels.

Additionally, try and limit how long you spend on your ATV; if you must ride for extended periods of time, make sure that you are taking breaks every so often, to ensure that your hearing is at safe levels.

Swimming

Swimming is a great way to cool off during the summer months, but it can also be dangerous for your hearing. Water can easily get into the ear canal and cause an infection known as swimmer’s ear. Swimmer’s ear can lead to temporary hearing loss if left untreated, so it’s important to take steps to protect your ears.

Wear earplugs when swimming in order to keep water out of the ear canal; this will help reduce your chances of developing an infection. Talk with your hearing health professional about what can do to protect your hearing when swimming. They will be able to give you advice and guide you in the right direction with your hearing health.