Crimson Tide football is almost done for the season, but the NFL is still going strong. There’s nothing like the atmosphere of a football game, with the excited crowd following along with their beloved team’s wins. However, excited crowds can also be dangerously loud.
How Loud Is Too Loud?
Sound is measured in decibels. Whispered speech is usually around 30 decibels, and normal conversation levels are about 60 decibels. Sounds as high as 80 decibels are safe, but any louder than 85 decibels and you start to reach dangerous volume levels. The louder the noise, the less time it takes for damage to occur.
The sound waves from loud noises can cause significant damage to the inner ear’s structures. These wide, powerful sound waves are like forceful blasts to the sensory cells in the ear. Damage can occur whether you’re exposed to a single deafening sound—like an explosion—or extended exposure to a very loud noise—like power tools.
Hearing loss caused by exposure to loud noise is known as noise-induced hearing loss, and it is the leading cause of hearing loss worldwide today.
How Can I Protect My Hearing at a Football Game?
Football stadiums get loud; on average, they reach about 110 decibels. This is well above the 85-decibel level. A single game can damage your hearing, and if you attend games regularly, then your chances of hearing loss go up even higher.
If you plan to attend your favorite team’s games this fall, be proactive about your hearing health and bring hearing protection. Good ear protection can reduce noise levels by up to 30 decibels. That can make the difference between dangerous noise levels and safe levels. Earplugs are discreet, while earmuffs may offer more complete hearing protection.
Additionally, take lots of breaks from the noise during the game. Even breaks for other tasks, such as going to the bathroom or getting a snack from the concession stand, allow you to give your ears a break. Try to step away from the loud noise at least once every hour to give your ears a chance to rest.
How Do I Know If I Have Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
Healthy hearing allows you to continue going to the games you love. If in the days after the game you notice that sounds appear muffled or you suffer from a high-pitched ringing in the ear, it’s a good idea to get a hearing test to see if you’ve sustained any permanent damage to your hearing. Contact Premier Medical Group to make an appointment for a hearing test.