10 Everyday Activities That Can Trigger Hearing Loss

Experiencing some level of hearing loss is common as we age, but many people may not realize that their day-to-day activities could further damage their hearing. Most of us are vaguely aware that our hearing is something to be protected, but how many of us have a clear idea of how to look after it and put this into practice in our everyday lives? 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 17% of adults aged 20-69 years (approximately 26 million) have suffered permanent damage to their hearing from excessive exposure to noise. Hearing loss caused by exposure to loud sound is preventable, so to avoid communication difficulties in later life, it’s vital to protect your hearing now. The best way to do this is by avoiding exposure to excess noise and recognizing which activities pose the most significant risk. Here are some everyday activities that may cause damaging levels of noise:

• Live Music Events

Studies have shown that audiences at rock or pop concerts are routinely exposed for long periods to average sound levels exceeding 100dB. Many professional musicians suffer hearing loss from frequent exposure to such noise levels, but fans are also at risk of hearing damage. It’s no secret that live music performances are very loud, yet most adults never wear hearing protection when attending shows.

• Sports Events

Just like live music, going to a game can also expose you to dangerous noise levels. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, a 2014 Kansas City Chiefs football game is where the loudest crowd roar at a sports stadium took place, recorded at an incredible 142dB. This level of noise would certainly be enough to cause hearing damage.

• DIY Projects

Home renovation is something many of us try at one point or another, but did you know that power tools can cause hearing damage? If you regularly use power tools at home, you may unwittingly be causing damage to your ears, which is why it’s always a good idea to wear ear protection.

• Using Headphones

If you spend hours listening to your favorite music with headphones or earbuds, you should be careful how much you turn up the volume. These listening devices send sound directly into the ear canal, which can be dangerous if sound levels are excessive. Try to keep your device’s volume to below 60% to ensure you’re listening at a safe volume.

• Your Daily Commute

Depending on the area you travel through, your daily commute to work could cause hearing damage. People exposed daily to loud traffic noises and construction sounds may experience a gradual loss of hearing over time, in which case it’s essential to see a hearing specialist and get a hearing test.

• A Night at the Movies

Noise levels at the movie theater can measure between 74 and 104dB, which means watching the latest blockbuster could leave you with ringing ears.

• A Fireworks Display

Fireworks are an impressive spectacle, but did you know they can reach up to 160dB noise levels? Wearing ear protection will keep you safe from such loud sounds and ensure you enjoy the show without getting hearing damage.

• Riding a Motorcycle

Riding a motorcycle can also pose a risk to your hearing. The roar of the engine combined with the noise of wind that occurs when you’re moving at high speed can be a hazardous combination for your ears.

• Shooting

A gunshot blast is so loud that just one can cause lasting hearing loss. If you enjoy visiting firing ranges, it’s essential to wear hearing protection — you should combine earmuffs with foam earplugs for the best level of protection.

• Mowing the Lawn

Gas-powered lawn mowers can certainly pack a punch, registering at 80 to 85dB. 85 decibels is the threshold for hearing damage, so it’s worth wearing hearing protection next time the grass needs cutting.