Winter is fast approaching, and that means people are heading outside to enjoy the last bits of warm sun and crisp fall air before the chilly weather sets in. When you’re planning your outdoor activities this fall, it’s crucial to think about your hearing health.
Why Do I Need To Think About My Hearing While Outdoors?
Any noise at or above 85 dB (about the volume of a gas-powered lawn mower) can damage hearing. While they may not seem so initially, outdoor activities can expose you to unsafe noise levels. A few noise sources include:
- Wind. If you enjoy cycling, you need to watch out for wind noise. One evaluation found that wind produced 84.9 dB at 10 mph and increased proportionally with speed, reaching a maximum of 120.3 dB at 60 mph. Wind noise is also a risk for motorcycle riders.
- Hunting. Small-caliber rifles, air rifles, shotguns and pistols can produce noise levels of up to 140 dB. Higher-caliber rifles can reach over 175 dB. Noise levels compound if you hunt with two or more people.
- Whistles. Whistles can reach levels between 100 and 120 dB, depending on the brand, potentially causing hearing damage to the person blowing it and those in the surrounding area.
In addition to loud noise exposure, physical damage from contact sports like football or rugby can also cause hearing loss.
How Can I Protect My Hearing?
Noise exposure is one of the most preventable causes of hearing loss. Try a few of the following to protect your hearing:
- Wear noise-reducing helmets or sound-filtering earplugs while riding your bike or motorcycle
- Wear earmuffs or earplugs the entire time you’re hunting
- Clean your equipment regularly
- Use a plastic whistle as an alternative to louder, metal versions
In addition to blocking loud noise, wearing protective equipment such as a helmet and pads is essential when playing contact sports to reduce the risk of physical damage.
Schedule a Hearing Test
Scheduling regular tests will enable your specialist to monitor hearing changes over time, potentially leading to faster treatment. Contact Ear, Nose & Throat Consultants to schedule your appointment today.