Here’s a list of some outdoor activities where you should wear hearing protection.
Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy community events and outdoor festivities. From parades to sporting events and firework displays, there’s always something happening in the warm months. While these experiences bring joy and excitement, it’s important to remember that many of them involve noise levels that can be harmful to our hearing. In this blog, we’ll highlight some common outdoor events where wearing hearing protection is essential for protecting your hearing health.
Parades
Parades can be a fun and exciting experience, with colorful floats, marching bands, and cheerful crowds. However, the cumulative effect of loud music, cheering, and even vehicle engines can reach surprising decibel levels. While a normal conversation is around 50-60 dBA, parade noise can easily hit 80-90 dBA or even higher when a particularly loud float, firetruck, or band passes by. Prolonged exposure to sounds over 85 dBA can cause hearing damage over time. Be sure to wear some form of ear protection during these events.
Sporting Events
Whether you’re at a baseball game, a soccer match, or a thrilling football showdown, the energy of a sporting event is infectious. But that roar of the crowd, the blare of horns, and the announcer’s voice can create an environment that’s surprisingly loud. Noise levels at sporting events can range from 90 dBA to over 120 dBA during peak moments. At 100 dBA, hearing damage can occur in just 15 minutes, and at 120 dBA, it can happen in a matter of seconds. Be sure to wear noise-reducing devices to keep your hearing safe during these long and loud events.
Concerts
Outdoor concerts are a summer staple, offering a chance to enjoy live music in great summer evening weather. While the music is meant to be enjoyed, it’s often played at volumes that can be detrimental to your hearing. Outdoor concerts typically average 90-110 dBA, but near the speakers, levels can easily exceed 120 dBA, even reaching 130 dBA or more for loud concerts. If you’re exposed to 100 dBA for just 15 minutes, you’re at risk of hearing damage. Be sure to wear ear protection at these events.
Firework Shows
Firework displays are a highlight of many summer celebrations, particularly around holidays. The booming explosions and crackling bursts are designed to be impactful, and they are incredibly loud. Fireworks can produce sound levels from 140 to 175 decibels at close range. To give some perspective, 140 decibels is louder than a jet engine at takeoff and can cause immediate, permanent hearing damage. The further you are from the source, the better, but even from a distance, the sound can still be harmful. Be sure to pack along hearing protection for yourself and any others attending a fireworks display.
What Kind of Hearing Protection Should You Use?
For these events, simple foam earplugs can be very effective and are widely available and inexpensive. They work by reducing the overall decibel level that reaches your ears. Another option is earmuffs, which offer even greater protection and are often more comfortable for extended wear. For people who use hearing aids, some earplugs and earmuffs can be worn over them, or you can consider specialized electronic hearing protection that amplifies softer sounds (like conversation) while compressing or blocking dangerously loud noises. If you have any questions on what type of hearing protection to use, be sure to talk with your audiologist.
Summer is a busy, vibrant time of the year. Be sure you’re taking health precautions with your hearing and wear protection during noisy events. Take a look at the CapTel blog for more hearing health tips.
