Holiday parties bring lively music, engaging conversations, hearty laughter and lots of delicious food and drinks. However, the festive atmosphere often comes with a downside: high noise levels that can put your hearing at risk. Let’s explore how excessive noise can lead to hearing loss and look at some simple steps to safeguard your ears during this season’s celebrations.
How Does Loud Noise Impact Hearing?
Noise-induced hearing loss affects approximately 5% of the global population. Sound is measured in decibels (dB), and noises above 85 dB can damage the sensitive hair cells in your ear. These cells play an important role in transmitting sound signals to your brain. When the impact of loud noise overstresses or permanently damages these cells, they’re unable to send the sound signals, leading to hearing loss.
How Can I Protect My Hearing at Holiday Parties?
Hearing loss doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying your holiday party. A few simple ways you can protect your hearing include:
- Bring earplugs. Earplugs dampen the force with which sound waves hit your ears—lessening the likelihood of hearing loss. While you may think of hearing aids as bulky, bright orange foam plugs, they don’t have to be. Small, silicone or custom earplugs can protect your hearing without sticking out. Try bringing a pair of these earplugs to your holiday party just in case the music gets too loud.
- Use a decibel meter. There are many smartphone apps that measure decibel levels in your environment. Download one before your party and keep an eye on the music volume. If it exceeds 85 decibels, try turning it down if possible.
- Take breaks. Holiday parties often come with noise levels beyond our control. If the music or chatter gets too loud, make it a point to step away for a quiet break every 15 to 30 minutes. These short pauses allow your ears to recover and help protect your hearing.
Whether attending an all-out bash or stopping by the Axelrad Beer Garden for happy hour, holiday celebrations don’t have to put your hearing at risk. With a few simple noise safety tips, you can enjoy the festive season while protecting your ears. To learn more about protecting your hearing, contact Hearing Systems today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.