Summer is a vibrant, dynamic time of year. From summer music festivals to fireworks displays to using power tools and yard work equipment to get things done around the house, we’re exposed to more loud noises than you might initially realize. Can this have an effect on your tinnitus?
Loud Noise and Tinnitus
Inside the ear are thousands of nerve endings that are critical to our ability to hear. They are shaped like tiny hairs, and they move when the ear receives sound waves. Their movement triggers electrical signals that are sent from the ears to the brain to be interpreted as sound.
The wide, forceful sound waves generated by loud noises can break and shatter these nerve endings, leading to permanent nerve and hearing damage. When these nerve endings are broken, it can lead to hearing loss and one or both of these tinnitus-related effects:
- The broken cells “leak” random electrical impulses, transmitting electrical signals to the brain as if there was sound when there is none.
- The brain notices the lack of sound information and tries to fill in the gaps by generating its own sound.
In these ways, loud noise can both be a cause of tinnitus and a cause of a tinnitus flare-up for people who already suffer from the condition.
How Loud Is Too Loud?
To determine what sound levels are safe and what aren’t, we use decibels to quantify the power of the sound wave. Any sound below 85 decibels is considered safe. Sounds above 85 decibels, however, have enough force to cause the nerve damage described above.
The louder the sound, the less time it takes for damage to occur: sounds between 85 and 120 decibels can cause damage after 30–120 minutes, and anything over 120 decibels can cause immediate damage. These same guidelines apply to managing tinnitus flare-ups from loud noise exposure.
Other Ways Loud Noise Can Impact Tinnitus
In addition to the damage loud noise can do to the physical structures of your ear, there are other ways loud noise is correlated with tinnitus spikes. These include:
- Overstimulation. If your central auditory system is flooded with sensory input, it can make all sensory sensations feel overwhelming, including the perception of tinnitus.
- Stress. This is similar to overstimulation, but on a greater scale. It’s well-documented that stress is correlated with tinnitus.
- Blood pressure and increased heart rate. Energetic, loud events and activities—such as concerts or riding a motorbike—can impact your cardiovascular system. The nerve endings in our ears rely on blood flow to function.
Summer Noise Hazards
Here are some common noise hazards of the summer and their approximate volume levels that you may want to watch for:
- Gas-powered lawn mower: 90 decibels
- Motorbikes and other recreational vehicles: 100 decibels
- Outdoor concerts and sports events: 110 decibels
- Fireworks displays: 120 decibels
How to Find Help
If the sounds of summer are causing unbearable tinnitus spikes for you, you would benefit from seeking medical attention from a hearing healthcare provider. Contact us at Premier Medical Group today for a tinnitus evaluation and information on tinnitus management strategies.