Hearing is quintessential to daily living, which is why it’s part of the 5 senses of the human body. However, like any other aspect of the body, even hearing can fail. What’s more chilling is that even sounds typically heard on an ordinary day can contribute to hearing loss in the long term.
This article lists down some of the most common sounds that can lead to hearing loss. Read on below to get started.
#1 – Hunting or Target Shooting
Shooting a gun has been a tradition in America, with many individuals growing up with hunting and target shooting as a hobby. While it is a favorite hobby of many, it also comes with a risk because the sound of a gunshot can reach as high as 140 dB, which is well above the normal range of sounds (40 to 60 dB).
#2 – DIY Home Projects
There’s nothing as satisfying as a home improvement project. It brings with it a sense of accomplishment, which is why it’s included in a list of the most common sources of hearing loss. When people work on home improvements, they are busy, which sometimes makes them not wear ear protection.
The sounds made by power tools, such as saws and drills can reach up to 120 dB. It’s recommended that you wear ear protection to avoid long-term hearing loss.
#3 – Gas-Powered Landscape Equipment
If you have a garden in your home, you need to use a lawnmower or a weed trimmer. They are one of the most common sources of hearing loss and are often used without ear protection. The sound of the lawnmower or weed trimmer can reach up to 110 dB.
#4 – Live Music
Live concerts are considered the epitome of fun and enjoyment. You get to see your favorite artist live in concert, and you get to be part of an electrifying atmosphere. However, if you’re not careful, all the fun that you might be having can lead to hearing loss because the volume of the music of a concert is loud, and it’s not uncommon to reach 120 dB at a live concert.
#5 – Listening to Music Using Headphones or Earbuds
Listening to music may be one of the greatest pleasures in life. It can be a way to escape the stress of life, and it can boost your mood. However, if you listen to music at a high volume, you may be risking your long-term hearing health. The volume of the music you listen to through headphones or earbuds should never exceed 85 dB. If it does, you should consider switching to earbuds to keep your hearing healthy.
#6 – Sporting Events
From NFL games at the Met Life Stadium to NBA games at the Staples Center, there are a lot of sporting events that fans would love to watch live in person. When watching your favorite team play, you should always wear hearing protection. The sounds of a basketball or football game can reach up to 115 dB, and it’s pretty standard for people to forget to wear ear protection.
#7 – Riding a Motorcycle
The sound of a motorcycle when it’s zooming down the road is what makes it such a thrill. The roar of the engine, the wind flowing by, and the rhythmic motion of the bike as it speeds down the road are what makes it such a popular form of transportation. However, that can be a hazard if you’re not careful because the sound of a motorcycle can reach up to 110 dB, which is enough to do some severe damage to your hearing.
#8 – Exercise Classes
If you like to exercise, you might have been to a spinning class or a gym class that has loud music blaring in the background. However, you might have forgotten that music can do some damage to your hearing. If the music is played at too high a volume, the sounds that you hear can reach a whopping 120 dB.
Conclusion
While your everyday life sounds are generally harmless, it doesn’t mean that they are not causing damage to your ears. Instead, you should focus on using ear protection in any situation when there’s loud noise. A good pair of earplugs are more than enough to do the job.
Hear More Associates provides free hearing tests in Lexington. We understand that hearing is essential to maintaining the quality of life, so we also discuss any possible steps forward after a test is over. Contact us today for a consultation!
