Many people enjoy yardwork, gardening, and do-it-yourself (DIY) projects this time of year to shake off the winter blues, refresh their home and yard, and take advantage of the burst of energy we get when the sun comes back out. These activities might bring some hazards to hearing health, however, so letās discuss how to protect yourself so you can have a productive spring.
How Loud Is Too Loud?
Exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss, called noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). When sounds are loud, their sound waves are large and forceful, and they enter our ears with destructive force. They can flatten or damage the delicate cells in our ear, which are essential for hearing. NIHL can occur after a single intense sound, such as an explosion, or from continuous exposure to loud sounds over time, such as those generated in a machine shop.
To determine what sound levels are safe and what arenāt, we use decibels to quantify the power of the sound wave. Any sound below 85 decibels is considered safe, sounds between 85 and 120 decibels can cause damage after 30ā120 minutes, and anything over 120 decibels can cause immediate hearing loss.
Yardwork and Project Hearing Hazards
Many tools and appliances we use in yardwork and other projects will exceed that 85-decibel threshold at which sound levels become dangerous. Some of these include:
- Lawn mower: 90 decibels
- Belt sander: 90 decibels
- Electric drill: 95 decibels
- Pressure washer: 100 decibels
- Leaf blowers: 100ā110 decibels
- Hammer hitting a nail: 110 decibels
- Circular Saw: 110 decibels
- Chainsaw: 110 decibels
Protecting Your Hearing
Whenever youāre performing an activity that could reach dangerous hearing levels, you should wear hearing protection. Itās tempting to skip hearing protection because you donāt think youāll use the tool for very long, or because youāre not sure itāll reach dangerous noise levels, but itās always better to err on the side of caution.
Earplugs are widely available, inexpensive and effective. There are also specialty earmuffs and other ear protection made specifically for power tool use. Additionally, we can craft custom earmolds for you that are made from impressions of your ears, ensuring a snug fit and excellent noise protection.
Signs of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Some of the most common early warning signs of NIHL include:
- Muffled or distorted hearing
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in your ears
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
- Sensitivity to loud sounds
- Difficulty hearing background noise
- Difficulty hearing following conversations, especially in groups
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
If you notice any of these signs after a day of yardwork or DIY-ing, contact an audiologist. You should never ignore changes in your hearing, even if you think theyāre temporary. Call Waterville Audiology today to learn more or make an appointment.