The Apple Watch has a feature that lets users measure the decibel levels in their surroundings. This lets you keep clear of loud environments or gives you a chance to learn about the importance of wearing ear protection to avoid hearing loss or additional hearing loss. But what is considered too loud?
The Hearing Health Foundation considers normal conversations to be about 60 decibels (dB). These noises do not have a maximum time limit in regard to hearing loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it is not recommended to be exposed to noises that reach at least 70 dB for a prolonged period of time. Examples of noises that are 70 dB or more: A vacuum cleaner or a home washing machine reaches 70 dB. Heavy traffic reaches 80-90 dB. Electric power tools or gas-powered lawnmowers reach 90 dB. A motorcycle engine that’s running can reach 100 dB. Playing music at the highest volume through earbuds or headphones can reach up to 105 dB. Live rock concerts can reach up to 110 dB. An emergency vehicle siren can reach up to 120 dB. A jet engine when it’s taking off from a runway or fireworks can reach up to 140 dB. If you are not sure if a noise level is dangerous, you can open the app to measure your surroundings and see what it picks up. The Noise app allows users to set a decibel threshold and get a notification if their surroundings reach or go past that threshold. If you plan to stay in a loud area for an extended period of time, wear earplugs before entering these environments. Take breaks away from these locations, if necessary. Those who are experiencing hearing loss can contact Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing aid providers. If you need tips to improve your hearing health, look no further. We’ve got simple resolutions to guide you through a better hearing lifestyle.
1. Get a Hearing Test Hearing loss is a gradual process. No matter how good your hearing is, you should get your hearing regularly tested to detect possible deterioration. As soon as you notice anything wrong with your hearing, book a test immediately. Getting into the habit of scheduling a hearing test will help you in the long run. Most people with hearing loss wait five to 10 years before seeking a hearing test or treatment. Anyone over 60 years of age should get an annual hearing test. Adults under 60 should pay close attention to their hearing health and get a test every few years. 2. Pay Attention to Signs of Hearing Loss Don’t neglect any problems you encounter with hearing loss. It can get worse without any intervention from a hearing healthcare professional. Like other health problems, early treatment will make your hearing easier to manage. That may include using and adjusting to hearing aids, which can slow the loss. Common signs of hearing loss include the inability to distinguish others speaking in a particular space, especially when there is too much background noise. Do others need to repeat themselves around you? Maybe you have been raising the volume on the TV or stereo system. If everyone else can hear without a problem, then you have a problem. If these scenarios have come up in your life, you may have a problem with your hearing. Hearing loss can impact your overall well-being and health. Many people with untreated hearing loss have reported experiencing anxiety, depression, dementia, and trouble accomplishing tasks - which can affect their income. 3. Wear Hearing Protection in Loud Environments Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is common among elders. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is another common cause and the only preventable type. NIHL occurs due to one very loud exposure to noise or a series of risks to loud noise exposure. A construction site, power tools, a concert, or a sports stadium can be blaring. The only way to prevent noise-induced hearing loss is by wearing earplugs or ear muffs to block dangerous noise levels. Listen to music, podcasts, or videos at a safe volume. Dangerous volume levels playing through your earbuds mean the audio is so loud that it’s drowning out the noise around you. If you can’t hear some background noise, turn down the volume. Take breaks every thirty to sixty minutes between listening to rest your ears and brain. 4. Take Care of Your Overall Health Your general health and hearing health are intertwined. Your diet affects your heart health, your weight, and your ears. Taking the proper vitamins will keep your ears and overall health in check. Regular exercises are crucial. When you exercise, your heart pumps and helps circulate blood throughout your body - including your ears. It helps to protect you from age-related hearing loss. Poor habits like smoking and the overconsumption of alcohol inhibit blood flow throughout the body, which harms your ears. If you or a loved one experience hearing loss or other problems with hearing, contact Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. The strength of noise can affect your hearing. The only way to prevent noise-induced hearing loss is by avoiding loud environments or protecting your ears with earplugs or ear muffs.
If you or others must shout in order to hear each other at a close range, this indicates that you are in a dangerous environment for your ears. Hearing loss may occur immediately or gradually based on sensitivity and volume level. 4 Tips to Safeguard Your Hearing
Tips to Prevent Hearing Loss in Private and Public Spaces In the home
In public spaces
Protecting your Hearing during Pregnancy as well as for Infants and Children If you are pregnant or have small children, the same precautions listed above apply to you and your children. Preventing your body from coming in direct contact with the sound source (vibrations) while pregnant, is also crucial to avoid. Be aware of loud toys that you let your children or grandchildren use. Keep an eye out for Noise Reduction Ratings All hearing protection features noise reduction ratings. It is generally found on a label on the device’s container (it might read “NRR”). This tells users the amount of protection the devices are capable of providing. Noise reduction ratings are measured using decibels (dB). Most hearing protection have ratings between 0 dB to 35 dB. The term noise reduction rating refers to the “best case” rating which is measured in a laboratory. The sound reduction that the protection provides might actually be significantly less. Choose the best hearing protection that suits you and your needs. Ask yourself these three questions:
Selecting the Hearing Protection that’s Right for You You should consider personal preferences when it comes to comfort level and where you plan on wearing it. The efficiency of hearing protection depends on whether you wear it consistently and correctly. Earmuffs, earplugs, and customized devices are the most common types of hearing protection. Earplugs Earplugs give users an air-tight seal around the ear canal. These are reasonably priced, effective, and simple to use. They come in the following styles:
Earmuffs Most people will be able to find an earmuff that fits them from the variety of styles that are available. Noise is blocked out when the muffs completely cover the outer ear. Some earmuffs feature electronic elements to allow users to communicate, obstruct sound vibrations, or block out background noises. Earmuffs may not be suitable for people with heavy beards, sideburns, or eyeglasses (these can make a gap of space between the earmuff cushioning and your head). If you need foam earplugs, stop by one of our Pure Sound Hearing office locations. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss from exposure to loud noise, or any other reason, please schedule an appointment with one of our specialists for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. |
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