Halloween is only a few days away. Many of you have already picked out the perfect pumpkin at Steed’s Dairy and are putting the finishing touches on costumes before you head out for a night or a whole weekend of spooky fun.
However, what you may not realize is that some of these fun Halloween festivities may put you and others at risk for hearing loss.
Exposure To Loud Noise Is a Common Hearing Loss Cause
Any prolonged exposure to noise above 85 decibels can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. However, the louder the noise, the less time it takes for potential damage to occur. Sounds over 100 decibels (roughly the average volume of a live music concert) can cause hearing problems in under two hours.
Loud noise exposure is one of the leading causes of hearing loss, and it is affecting people of all ages. According to the Centers for Disease Prevention (CDC), it’s estimated that “12.5% of children and adolescents aged 6–19 years and 17% of adults aged 20–69 years have suffered permanent damage to their hearing from excessive exposure to noise.”
How You Can Protect Your Hearing This Halloween Season
If you’re planning on heading to a house party, a Halloween-themed concert or a haunted house, follow these tips to keep your ears safe while still enjoying the season’s festivities:
- Use proper hearing protection. Devices like earplugs, earmuffs and custom earmolds can go a long way to reducing harmful sounds down to a safer volume. Make sure whatever hearing protection you choose is comfortable and fits correctly to offer the most protection.
- Step away from the noise. If you’re at a party or loud event, take occasional breaks from the noise. This may mean moving to a quieter room for a bit or stepping outside.
Do You Have Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss from noise exposure often develops gradually. In fact, many people may not realize they have a problem for years. This can be harmful because the sooner you are diagnosed and get treatment, the more likely it is that you can prevent further damage from happening.
Be on the lookout for early signs of hearing loss, and schedule an appointment for a hearing test if you notice any of the following:
- You need others to repeat themselves frequently
- A ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)
- Conversations are hard to follow, especially in places with background noise or those held over the phone
For more information or to schedule an appointment to get your hearing checked, call Augusta – Aiken ENT & Allergy today.