Hearing loss doesn’t always come after a big, booming bang. Sometimes, it comes from everyday sounds that you didn’t realize were damaging. Let’s look at five sounds you may encounter that put your hearing at risk.
Your Toolbox
Construction workers wear OSHA-mandated earmuffs or earplugs to protect their hearing at work. Even though your home projects are probably quieter than construction sites, drills, hammers and buzzsaws can slowly chip away at your hearing. Remember to always wear earplugs before starting a project.
Your Lawn Mower
If you’ve ever woken up to the sound of your neighbors mowing their lawn at seven in the morning, you know how loud a lawn mower can get. Earplugs will help protect your ears, but they’re only part of the solution. If you use a gas-powered mower, consider switching to an electric option as they tend to be quieter. Machine maintenance is also key. Ensure that every part of your mower is properly maintained to minimize rattling or grinding.
Your Music
It’s no secret that playing your music too loud can damage your hearing, but many people don’t know what constitutes too loud. A good rule of thumb is that your music shouldn’t exceed 85 decibels (dB), the threshold for hearing loss. That includes when you’re listening through your headphones, but it also applies to your home speakers and car stereo. Set decibel limits on your smartphone under the “headphone safety” settings to keep yourself from raising the volume too high unintentionally.
Your Blow Dryer
Your blow dryer doesn’t just produce hot air. It also emits potentially damaging noise levels. You don’t need to start air drying, but it’s important to keep the blow dryer at least a foot away from your head while using it.
Sirens
An emergency siren reaches a volume of upwards of 120 dB. That’s loud enough to cause immediate hearing damage. You don’t get much notice before an ambulance or firetruck comes your way, but do your best to cover your ears with your hands when you hear one approaching. If you have time to put them in, earplugs are an effective way to protect your ears from the sirens.
Protecting your hearing is a vital part of ensuring you continue to enjoy all the sounds you love for years to come. Contact us at Hampton Roads ENT ~ Allergy today to learn more about hearing protection or to schedule a hearing test.