Beverly Hills Hearing Center was founded in 1983 by Bonnie Baehr. Prior to that, Dr. Baehr practiced at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles as a staff audiologist for seven years. She was involved with diagnostic testing, hearing aid evaluations, research and rehabilitation. Dr. Baehr did her clinical fellowship training at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in downtown Los Angeles. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language and Hearing Association, California Academy of Audiology and Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
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Summertime is often synonymous with outdoor activities, time at the pool, or playing and watching sports. From swimming and cycling to tennis and softball, summer sports offer a fantastic way to stay active, connect with nature, and have fun under the sun.
However, it’s important to be mindful of the potential impact these activities can have on your hearing health. Let’s explore the connection between summer sports and hearing health and share tips for maintaining your overall hearing health. So lace up your sneakers and grab your gear!
Understanding the Risks
While summer sports can promote physical fitness and overall well-being, certain activities pose risks to your hearing health. Consider the following scenarios where sports-related noise exposure can be a concern:
- Water sports: Activities like swimming, water skiing, and kayaking might seem quiet, but noise generated by motorized boats or aquatic equipment can reach harmful levels and potentially damage your hearing.
- Cycling and motorsports: Off-road biking, motorcycle riding, and other motorized sports involve exposure to engine noise, wind buffeting, and traffic sounds that can exceed safe decibel levels and lead to hearing loss over time.
- Court sports: Sports like tennis, basketball, or volleyball often take place in enclosed spaces with hard surfaces that can amplify noise levels. The impact of a ball striking a racket or floor can create brief, loud sounds that may harm your hearing, especially with repetitive exposure.
Protective Measures for Hearing Health
To ensure that you can enjoy your favorite summer sports while safeguarding your hearing, consider implementing the following protective measures:
- Wear ear protection: When engaging in noisy activities like motorsports or shooting sports, use earplugs or earmuffs to reduce the impact of loud sounds on your ears. Choose protective gear designed for sports so you can benefit from a proper fit and maximum comfort during activities.
- Select quieter sports: If you participate in multiple sports activities, consider incorporating quieter options into your routine. Opt for activities like hiking, yoga, or golf that involve minimal exposure to loud noises and provide a tranquil setting for your overall health.
- Monitor sound levels: Be attentive to the noise levels in your sports environment and take necessary precautions if the sounds seem excessively loud. Recognize warning signs such as ringing in the ears, muffled hearing, or discomfort, and take immediate steps to protect your hearing.
Tips for Maintaining Good Hearing Health
In addition to protective measures, you can incorporate the following tips into your sports routine to help maintain good hearing health throughout the summer:
- Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is not only needed for physical performance but also plays a role in maintaining healthy inner ear function. Make sure you drink enough water before, during, and after your sports activities.
- Take breaks: Prolonged exposure to loud noises, whether from on-field activities or when you’re in the stands, can strain your auditory system. Give your ears a break by stepping away from noisy areas and allowing time for recovery during events or matches.
- Get regular hearing check-ups: Schedule routine appointments with a hearing healthcare professional to monitor your auditory health and address any concerns regarding changes in your hearing abilities.
Promoting Hearing Health Awareness in Sports
As a participant or spectator in summer sports, you can play a role in promoting hearing health awareness for everyone. Consider the following strategies:
- Educate fellow athletes: Encourage your teammates or fellow enthusiasts to prioritize hearing health by discussing the risks of noise exposure during sports activities and sharing tips for protection and prevention.
- Support noise regulation: Advocate for the implementation of noise regulations in sporting events and venues to ensure safe sound levels and protect the hearing of athletes, coaches, and spectators.
- Lead by example: Demonstrate your commitment to hearing health by consistently wearing ear protection, monitoring sound levels, and promoting healthy hearing habits among your sports circle.
Find Custom Hearing Protection
As you gear up for an action-packed summer filled with sports and outdoor adventures, remember that protecting your hearing is an important part of your overall well-being. Commit to taking steps to protect your hearing health while participating in summer sports.
Prioritize ear protection, recognize warning signs of excessive noise exposure, and promote awareness of hearing health within your sporting community. By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you can enjoy a safe and satisfying summer sports season while preserving your valuable sense of hearing.
Visit us today to find the right custom hearing protection.