The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, “An estimated 12.5% of children and adolescents aged 6–19 years (approximately 5.2 million) and 17% of adults aged 20–69 years (approximately 26 million) have suffered permanent damage to their hearing from excessive exposure to noise.”
Unfortunately, springtime is one of the times of the year when you are most likely to experience certain types of hazards to your hearing. We review how to avoid hearing loss this spring below.
Wear Hearing Protection During Yardwork
The springtime is when we all head out to start working on our yards and get them cleaned up to enjoy during the summer months. But operating power tools without proper hearing protection can pose an extreme danger to your hearing. This is why the experts at Hampton Roads ENT ~ Allergy recommend wearing hearing protection like disposable earplugs or earmuffs from Langley AFB Main Exchange off Sweeney Blvd when operating a lawn mower, leaf blower or weed whacker.
Wearing hearing protection can also prevent dust and other debris from entering your ears and causing an impaction or infection.
Be Mindful of Moisture
If spring means you start enjoying your favorite water sports, make sure you wear swim plugs to prevent a painful infection known as swimmer’s ear, which can impact your hearing if not treated promptly.
In addition, if you wear hearing aids, it’s important that you protect your investment by wearing a rain jacket with a cinched hood or using an umbrella while it’s raining. You should also invest in a dehumidifier to store your devices in at night if you live somewhere humid.
Protect Yourself from Sun
The skin on your ears is very delicate and could be susceptible to a severe sunburn without adequate protection. Wear a wide-brim sun hat or sit in the shade whenever possible.
If you apply sunscreen, which is also important, make sure you take your hearing aids out beforehand so the spray doesn’t infiltrate the ports and cause damage.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a hearing expert, call Hampton Roads ENT ~ Allergy today.