Summer brings the sunshine, the fresh air, and the chance to get your yard looking beautiful. But there’s something else it might bring you, something a lot less pleasant. It’s something most of us don’t even think about – the impact of those noisy yard tools on your hearing. We tend to focus on the visual appeal of our lawns and gardens, totally overlooking the hidden dangers that come with maintaining them. But it’s high time we had this chat about the health of your ears, and how we, at our hearing practice, can help you guard against the sneaky sound hazards of summer yard work.
The Loud and Louder: Yard Tools Ranked by Noise Levels
Ever thought about the noise level of that lawn mower you’re using? Or the leaf blower? Maybe you’ve become accustomed to the noise and it doesn’t seem to bother you. But here’s a newsflash: those are among the noisiest tools you’d use in your yard work. They’re not just annoyingly loud, they are dangerously so.
We’ve gone ahead and ranked some common yard tools by their noise levels, just so you have an idea of what you’re dealing with:
Chain Saws: Clocking in at an astonishing 110-120 decibels, it’s at the top of the chart.
Leaf Blowers and Weed Whackers: These are not far behind with noise levels around 100-110 decibels.
Lawn Mowers: These average around 85-90 decibels.
Hedge Trimmers: Hovering around 78-85 decibels, these are comparatively quieter, but still not harmless.
To give you some perspective, health professionals consider exposure to noises over 85 decibels harmful if sustained for long periods. That gives a whole new meaning to ‘loud,’ doesn’t it?
Don’t Whisper, Scream: Signs You Might Be Experiencing Hearing Loss
When you’re young, you don’t really think much about hearing loss. You crank up the music, you enjoy the noise of a bustling city, or you take on your yard with the loudest tools you can find. But then, one day, you start noticing things. You’re turning up the volume on your TV a little higher than usual. Or you’re asking people to repeat themselves more often. You start feeling that everyone is mumbling or that you’re having a tough time following conversations in noisy places. These could be early signs of noise-induced hearing loss.
Hearing Loss is Not a Dead End
Just because you’re experiencing some symptoms of hearing loss doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road for your ears. Hearing aids can be a game-changer for people dealing with hearing loss. They can help you get back to living life to the fullest, hearing every laugh, every bird chirp, and every whisper.
At our hearing practice, we’re committed to helping you keep your world sounding as vibrant and full as possible. Our hearing professionals are trained to understand your unique needs and help you find the best hearing aids for your lifestyle.
Summer Sounds Shouldn’t Hurt
Summer comes with its own beautiful set of sounds: the birds chirping, children playing, the wind rustling through the trees. You should be able to enjoy these sounds without the risk of damaging your hearing. So remember, the next time you’re about to kick-start that mower or power up the leaf blower, protect your ears. You can use earplugs or noise-isolating headphones to cut down the noise to safer levels.
Final Thought: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Hearing loss can feel scary and isolating, but you’re not alone. At our hearing practice, we stand by you, ready to help you navigate your hearing journey. Our hearing professionals are just a call or visit away, equipped to provide you with the best care and the most effective solutions.
Let’s ensure that summer yard work doesn’t take a toll on your ears. Let’s make sure you continue to enjoy the sounds of life, yard work and all. Book an appointment with us today, and let’s get you hearing at your best.