As the leaves begin to change, we start to trade out our summer attire for the comfort of long sleeves and cozy blankets. Fall also brings an assortment of exciting activities: Football, Pumpkin patches, Halloween, and Thanksgiving all come to mind.
To help you have the best experience this fall season, we want to share four tips to help with your hearing.
Sporting events can be bellowing!
Football is one of the first thoughts that come to mind during the fall. Hearing makes sports more enjoyable—the sounds of the fans cheering and the game. However, according to research, the average NFL game produces sound levels of approximately 90dB. Permanent hearing damage could occur in less than four hours.
Use protective earmuffs or foam earplugs to safely enjoy your favorite games and events at these elevated sound levels. Conventional foam earplugs are inexpensive and purchased at most drugstores. Consider the shapes and sizes offered to ensure you find one that properly fits with a snug seal. If you’re unclear on how they should fit or have difficulty finding a comfortable pair, talk to your audiologist about a custom-fit pair of earplugs.
Be mindful of lawn and power tools.
Most of us love seeing the colors of the leaves change, but we don’t always look forward to cleaning them up from our yards. Using a leaf blower to remove them can damage your hearing. Lawn and power tools operate at levels that can damage your hearing. Leave the yard work to the professionals, or use hearing protection when running your yard tools. Power tools can also be a danger to your hearing. As the weather changes and we start doing more inside projects, power equipment such as drills, saws, and other tools can cause damage to your hearing. Furthermore, these tools inside can potentially amply the noise levels they produce, making you even more susceptible to hearing impairment.
Make the most of indoor Group activities.
Fall transition means returning to school, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the December holidays. Attending parties with groups of people and lots of conversation can prove challenging for many with hearing loss, so it’s essential to minimize the stress in noisy environments. When attending social gatherings, be sure to:
- Take “listening breaks” to preserve your energy and reduce stress. Find a quiet area and spend some time in a one-on-one conversation or alone.
- Enjoy all aspects of the party. Conversation can be a small part; make sure you enjoy the music, the sites, the smells, and take it all in.
- Most importantly, have fun! September through December brings lots of opportunities to further your hearing health goals.
Maintain your hearing aids.
Fall brings unpredictable weather, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. Make sure to be prepared when you leave the house. Your ears and hearing aids will be grateful for the protection, and you will keep your hearing aids safe too. Hearing aids are electronic, which can be susceptible to damage from situations such as heavy rains and winds. If you suspect any water or debris damage, remove the batteries and clean them with a dry cloth. A dry kit can help remove moisture, store them, and keep them safe. You will also want to be sure to get them cleaned and checked at your local clinic to ensure they are operating at optimal performance.
Talk to your audiologist about available options.
Meeting with your audiologist or other hearing care professional can provide you with ways to protect yourself from the sounds of the season. Routine hearing testing can help determine your base hearing level so your doctor can reference it later when comparing future test results. Protecting your hearing as early as possible can help protect it long-term.
Check out our blog for more articles on hearing loss and hearing loss prevention. And for any additional assistance, contact Salem Audiology Clinic today at (971) 701 – 6322. Get the most out of the Fall season and never miss a moment.