As the leaves begin to change, we encourage you to consider changing your hearing health care habits, too. Several autumn activities can cause noise-induced hearing loss without proper hearing protection, but you may not even be aware of the risks.
Prolonged exposure to the sounds of leaf blowers, power tools, motorized vehicles, sporting events and concerts can all lead to irreversible hearing damage. Fortunately, you can take steps to keep your ears safe and prevent permanent hearing loss.
As you get back to enjoying your favorite fall hobbies and pastimes, take care of your hearing health by following our tips below:
Listen at a Safe Volume
If you pass the time by listening to music, audiobooks or the radio, listen at a safe volume. We recommend following the 60/60 rule: Listen at no more than 60% of your device’s maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.
Leave Leaf Blowing to the Professionals
Leaf blowers can create noise ranging from 95 to 115 decibels—well past the threshold that is considered safe. We recommend hiring a professional to take care of your leaf piles. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, invest in a leaf blower with a low decibel output, and always wear hearing protection.
Realize the Risks of Football Season
If you’re watching your favorite football team play on TV, set the volume at a reasonable level so you can still enjoy a conversation over the audio. If you’re lucky enough to score tickets, pack a pair of earplugs to use at the stadium.
Take Breaks From Talking on the Phone
You may love chatting with your friends on the phone on a nice fall evening, but excessive phone use can put your hearing at risk. Try to keep conversations brief, and alternate the phone between both ears to minimize the risk of developing single-sided hearing loss.
Invest in Hearing Protection
No matter what noisy activities you enjoy, keeping your ears safe is important. Beneficial Hearing Center offers custom hearing protection for maximum comfort and peace of mind.
Call us today at (352) 629-4418 to discuss your options.