Most people don’t think about their hearing health every day. However, it is something that requires serious thought from time to time, especially during situations when it is at risk.
While most people know that passive smoking or driving without a seatbelt is bad for their health, most aren’t aware of when they are in a situation where their hearing could be at risk.
Fortunately, this post is here to help. It explores some of the times in your life when your hearing health could be in danger (and what to do about it).
Listening To Loud Music Through Headphones
Listening to loud music through your headphones is perhaps one of the most innocuous times in your life when your hearing health is at risk. It seems completely harmless, but it is actually one of the most dangerous times.
The reason for this has to do with the proximity of headphones to the ear (which makes the sound much louder) and the enjoyability of the experience. Many people want to listen to music at high volume.
Fortunately, you can reduce this risk by listening at around 60% volume for up to 60 minutes (the so-called 60/60 rule). You can also just listen to music through speakers for a lower overall risk.
Riding A Loud Motorcycle
Another hearing health risk occurs when you ride a loud motorcycle. Many don’t have exhaust mufflers, meaning that they emit the full sound of the engine. Some manufacturers even add amplifiers to make their machines sound more imposing.
Again, if you ride a motorcycle regularly and it emits a loud sound, you may want to wear hearing protection. Earplugs are ideal for wearing under the helmet.
Going To Rock Concerts
Rock concerts are also a risk to your hearing health. Here, bands often play music at dangerous volumes exceeding 110 dB, which is enough to make some people deaf.
Therefore, you’ll want to consider protecting your hearing at concerts as well. Wearing earbuds is discreet and can help you reduce the noise reaching your ears to safe levels, even if the concert goes on for a long time.
Flying Frequently Without Pressure Management
Flying frequently without pressure management is another time when your hearing health could be at risk. Changes in pressure can lead to barotrauma, which can then cause damage to the middle ear.
The same problem sometimes occurs for people climbing high-altitude mountains. If you’re going on a hiking adventure, you can find that changes in pressure lead to pain and difficulty hearing.
Reducing how much you fly is one solution, but you can also get pressure management kits these days. These protect the ears from pressure changes, making the whole flying experience more enjoyable.
Using Power Tools
Finally, your hearing health could be at risk if you use power tools for work. These can often emit noises higher than 85 dB, which is the danger zone for many people.
Again, the best way to mitigate this risk is to use hearing protection.
The owners and authors of Cinnamon Hollow are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
