July 2023
Balancing the Sounds of Summer: Preserving Hearing Health
Summer brings a symphony of sounds that enlivens our experiences and connects us with the vibrant world around us. However, as we revel in the auditory delights of the season, it's crucial to be mindful of the potential risks to our hearing health. With increased exposure to loud noises during outdoor activities, festivals, and other summertime events, think about striking a balance between enjoying the sounds of summer and protecting your hearing. Read on to delve into the impact of summer sounds on hearing health and explore ideas for maintaining a harmonious and safe relationship with the world of sound. Lucid Hearing has a family of brands that support holistic hearing health, including preserving, protecting and enhancing your hearing through all the seasons and stages of your life.
Be Aware
Summer Fun Sometimes Comes with Excessive Noise
While summer offers a variety of exciting activities, many of them come with elevated noise levels. Concerts, firework displays, motorized recreational vehicles, and even lawnmowers can generate sound levels that exceed safe limits. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can lead to irreversible damage to the delicate structures of your ears, resulting in hearing loss. Be aware of the potential risks and take proactive steps to protect your hearing during these types of events or while engaging in summertime activities that are punctuated with loud noise.
Take Action
The Power of Protection
Preserving hearing health during the summer months is achievable with a few simple precautions, and Lucid Hearing has a lineup of high-quality hearing protection for children and adults. Invest in a good pair of earplugs or earmuffs that provide adequate noise reduction and wear them during loud events. Regardless of age, it’s critical to protect your hearing and that of your loved ones and friends. Additionally, taking breaks from noisy environments and finding quiet areas to rest and rejuvenate can provide a break and some relief for your ears. Recreation while on the water is fun, but it’s also an area where taking some precautions is a good idea. When participating in water activities, such as swimming or surfing, use waterproof earplugs to prevent water from entering the ear canal, which can lead to infections and damage.
Be Proactive
Practicing Volume Control
Many of us enjoy listening to music or podcasts while engaging in outdoor activities during the summer. It's important to exercise caution and practice volume control to prevent long-term hearing damage. When using earphones or headphones, keep the volume at a moderate level and take periodic breaks to give your ears a rest. It’s best to follow the 60-60 rule. This means listening at no more than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time. Opt for noise-canceling earphones or headphones, which can reduce the need for turning up the volume to block out external sounds. Lucid Hearing offers products in this category that are perfect for enjoyment of sound at safe levels.
Strategize
Be Smart About Communication Situations
Summer gatherings often involve lively conversations in bustling environments. To ensure effective communication without straining your hearing, consider positioning yourself in quieter areas away from loudspeakers or crowds. Use visual cues and non-verbal communication to enhance understanding, and don't hesitate to politely ask others to speak louder or rephrase if necessary. Prioritizing effective communication can prevent the need for excessive effort and strain on your hearing.
Stay Informed and Enjoy the Season
Regular Check-ups and Awareness
Maintaining hearing health requires proactive measures, including regular hearing check-ups. Schedule appointments to get your hearing tested on an annual basis and be proactive about addressing any concerns or symptoms promptly. It’s easy to schedule a free hearing test at any Lucid Hearing location. You can schedule an exam by calling 800-785-6052 or through our website by clicking on “Schedule Exam” in the upper right corner of the site. We offer more than 500 hearing center locations so it’s easy to find one near you. Additionally, spread awareness among your friends and family about the importance of protecting hearing during summer activities. Encourage them to adopt healthy habits and take the necessary precautions to safeguard their hearing.
Summer is filled with carefree activities, adventure, and outdoor exploration, accompanied by an array of captivating sounds. However, be aware of the potential risks and protect your hearing from excessive noise exposure. By using simple strategies such as using ear protection, practicing volume control, devising smart communication situations, and scheduling regular check-ups, you can strike a balance between enjoying the vibrant sounds of summer and preserving your hearing health for years to come.