Sounds of Summer: How to Protect Your Hearing Health During the Summer
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Introduction
Summer is a great time of year. For many of us, it reminds us of warm sunny days, trips to the beach and backyard BBQs. The days are long and there’s an abundance of activities to do. However, there are certain sounds of summer that you should be aware of that can be potentially dangerous to your hearing health and tinnitus.
- The "sounds of summer" can sometimes be harmful to your ears due to repeated exposure.
- Outdoor activities like music festivals, backyard parties and fireworks can create loud sound environments and make tinnitus worse.
- Ear protection and minimizing your exposure to these activities and events are a way to enjoy them, but protect yourself at the same time.
Enjoy the long days of summer while reducing your exposure to harmful noise that can negatively affect your hearing health and tinnitus.
Noisy summer activities to be aware of:
1. Fireworks: Fireworks are commonly used during summer celebrations, such as July 4th, Independence Day. The loud explosions can cause hearing damage if you are too close to them or exposed to them for an extended period.
2. Motorcycles and Off-Road Vehicles: The summer months often see an increase in motorcycle and off-road vehicle use. These vehicles can produce loud engine noises, especially if they have modified exhaust systems. Prolonged exposure to these noises, particularly at close range, can lead to hearing problems. Specific protection for these types of vehicles are available and should be considered.
3. Backyard parties and BBQs: Parties are often accompanied by loud music, which can expose your ears to high levels of sound. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can lead to temporary or permanent hearing damage. It's important to note that the risk of damage increases with the volume level and duration of exposure. Parties also frequently involve alcohol consumption, which can impair judgment and affect your perception of sound, making it difficult to accurately assess the volume level around you.
4. Outdoor Concerts and Music Festivals: Summer is a popular time for outdoor concerts and music festivals. While enjoying live music can be enjoyable, being close to loud speakers or standing near amplifiers for long durations can damage your hearing. It's important to wear hearing protection in these environments.
5. Construction and Lawn Maintenance Equipment: Summer is also a common time for construction projects and lawn maintenance activities. Equipment such as jackhammers, chainsaws, lawnmowers, and leaf blowers can produce high noise levels. Prolonged exposure to these sounds without proper hearing protection can be harmful.
6. Sporting Events: Summer is a season of various sporting events, including motorsports, stadiums, and arenas. The noise generated by cheering crowds, air horns, loudspeakers, and engines can reach dangerous levels. It's advisable to use hearing protection when attending such events, especially if you are close to the source of the noise.
How MindEar can help you in your tinnitus journey
MindEar offers a range of scientifically-backed solutions that can help you manage your tinnitus symptoms effectively. In the MindEar app you will find a soundscape library offering a variety of adjustable soundscapes to help you find the sound sound therapy that works best for you. You can also talk to a tinnitus expert to help determine if a sound masker is right for you. In addition, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques are also accessible to provide you with the tools to take control of your condition so that you can live a life without noticing it. MindEar is here to guide you on that journey.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that these are just some of the sounds of summer that can be harmful with repeated exposure. Although these sounds can be harmful to your hearing health and potentially make your tinnitus worse, there are ways to manage exposure to these sounds, while still enjoying your summer. Using ear protection is a great way to protect yourself while still enjoying the summer activities you love. Also, minimizing your exposure to these activities and events is also another way to enjoy them, but protect yourself at the same time. You shouldn’t give up the activities you enjoy, but being mindful of how certain activities can affect your hearing and tinnitus is a great first step to improving your hearing health.
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