With springtime and summer comes picnics at Centennial Olympic Park. But springtime activities can pose a danger to your hearing, which is why protection is key.
Noise Can Damage Your Hearing
The loudness of sounds is measured in decibels (dB). Any sound over 85 dB can cause damage to your hearing over time. Below is a list of common, everyday sounds and their decibel outputs for reference:
- Whispering: 30 dB.
- Refrigerator: 40 dB.
- Dishwasher: 45-65 dB.
- Conversation: 65-80 dB.
- Lawnmower: 80-100 dB.
- Movie theater: 70-104 dB.
- Motorcycle: 80-110 dB.
- Sports event: 94-110 dB.
- Headphones: 96-110 dB.
- Rock concert: 95-115 dB.
- Sirens: 110-129 dB.
- Fireworks: 140-160 dB.
Within the inner ears are tiny hair cells that convert soundwaves into electrical energy that the brain interprets as sound. These cells are extremely sensitive and can be damaged or destroyed as loud sounds pass through.
Wear Hearing Protection
Spring rain causes your grass – and of course weeds – to begin popping up, which prompts you to pull out the lawn mower and weed whacker. These power tools can put out dangerously decibel outputs, which can cause permanent hearing damage. To combat this, always wear earmuffs or earplugs when operating them.
Keep Your Distance
Now that it’s June, fireworks season is right around the corner. Everyone wants a good view of the fireworks show, but this doesn’t mean you need to be up close to the action. An explosion from a firework can cause instant damage to your hearing, which is why we recommend staying at least 500 feet from where they’re being fired off.
Lower the Volume
When spending time outdoors, whether doing yardwork or enjoying a nice walk, many people opt to wear headphones or earbuds to enjoy music, a podcast or an audiobook. Be sure to practice safe listening when doing so, like following the 60:60 rule: listen at no more than 60% of the device’s maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time. For more information about how to protect your hearing this summer or to schedule an appointment with an expert audiologist, call Advanced Hearing today.