Spring has sprung, and while it may not feel like it at the current moment, warmer days are ahead. While this may seem difficult to imagine, normal life will eventually resume. Luckily, there’s nothing wrong with going outside to enjoy the weather and getting some exercise (as long as you are keeping some distance of course) or doing some yard work. However, the warmer temperatures do come with its fair share of dangers, dangers to the ears that is. Certain outdoor activities can be loud and damaging to your ears, making noise-induced hearing loss a potential threat. Luckily, by following a few simple spring hearing tips, you can help protect your ears this season.
Many people don’t realize this, but you run a high risk of being affected by noise-induced hearing loss during the warmer months. However, if you follow these spring hearing tips, you can protect your ears from the sounds of spring.
Keep the Volume Down
Do you like to have music playing while you are doing yard work or when you are lying out, enjoying the sun? It doesn’t matter if you are working on your tan or planting flowers if you have music playing, keep the volume level down. This rule holds true for both speakers and headphones, so try to keep the volume level on your device at or below the half-way mark.
Opt for Over-the-Ear Headphones
If you often wear headphones when working outside or laying out, try to avoid wearing earbuds. Instead, invest in a pair of over-the-ear headphones since having earbuds that physically go into the ear canal can be dangerous and damaging. Earbuds sit closer to the ear canal, plus they create a natural amplification of sound because of the way it sits in the ear.
Wear Protection
If you cut and maintain your own lawn, make sure you wear earmuffs, earplugs, or noise-canceling headphones while you work. Lawnmowers, chainsaws, and leaf blowers, they are all loud and can be a contributing factor in noise-induced hearing loss. Wearing hearing protection can help lower the decibel levels and save your hearing as a result.
Watch Out for Water
Swimmer’s ear, also known as Otitis Externa, is a condition that can be very painful, and unfortunately, it’s common during the spring and summer months. Water can feel very refreshing when you are hot and sweaty. However, water can pose a real threat to your ears as it can diminish your ability to hear. After leaving the water, make sure you dry your ears thoroughly with a towel. Otherwise, the water trapped in your ear can leave some lasting, unpleasant effects.
Know-How Loud is too Loud
Knowing how loud is too loud is crucial if you want to protect your ears from noise-induced hearing loss. Remember, any sounds over 85 dB could put your ears at risk for noise-induced hearing loss. Luckily, you don’t have to judge via your ears if you have a smartphone. There are a plethora of soundcheck applications available that can measure the volume in your current environment, so download and use it. Your ears will thank you for it!
Frequently Asked Questions
To protect your ears during spring, keep the volume down on music players and avoid loud sounds while working outdoors. Wearing hearing protection such as earmuffs, earplugs, or noise-canceling headphones during noisy activities like lawn mowing can significantly reduce the risk of hearing damage.
Over-the-ear headphones are safer because they do not sit directly in the ear canal, unlike earbuds which can amplify sound naturally and increase the risk of hearing damage. Using over-the-ear headphones helps protect your ears from excessive noise levels while enjoying music or other audio outside.
Any sound above 85 decibels (dB) can be harmful and increase the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. It is important to monitor sound levels, especially during outdoor activities, and use sound measuring apps on smartphones to stay within safe limits.
Swimmer’s ear can be prevented by thoroughly drying your ears after being in water to avoid trapping moisture that can lead to infection. Using a towel to dry your ears well after swimming or water exposure helps maintain ear health during spring and summer.
Lawnmowers, chainsaws, and leaf blowers produce loud noises that can damage your hearing. When using these tools, wearing earmuffs, earplugs, or noise-canceling headphones is recommended to reduce exposure to harmful decibel levels.
Listening to music is safe as long as you keep the volume at or below the halfway mark on your device. This applies to both speakers and headphones, helping to minimize the risk of hearing damage during outdoor activities.