What Hobbies Require Hearing Protection?

Hobbies are essential to our health. They keep us sane. Having a regular, non-work or non-school activity to look forward to can help you in all aspects of your life. Some hobbies are physically demanding and some you can do while sitting down in the comfort of your own home.

With some hobbies, you will find yourself exposed to very loud noises for a sustained period of time. Researchers have discovered that extended or repeated noise exposure to levels of 85 decibels or above can cause permanent hearing loss. Given this information, wearing ear protection when engaging in the following loud hobbies is absolutely essential.

With that being said, what hobbies require hearing protection.

Avid Music Festival Goers 

According to Billboard, 32-million people go to at least one music festival in the US every year. The sound volume at festivals is mostly about 90 to 100 decibels at outside stages. 

This makes ear protection required for these types of events. Using ear protection makes the music actually more pleasant, clear and easier to listen to. Exposure to loud environments such as a music festival over a particularly long period can lead to tinnitus, which is an incessant ringing in the ears.

Playing An Instrument

Even relatively quiet noises can cause hearing damage if you’re exposed to them for long enough. So, you don’t have to be at a raging rock concert in order to use ear protection. If you are just playing an instrument in the comfort of your own room, it is important to ensure your hearing is protected every time you practice playing.

The vast majority of musical instruments reach far above 85dB. Even relatively small instruments such as the piccolo can reach 112dB.

Using Power Tools for DIY Projects

Working on DIY projects will forever be a popular hobby. Whether it’s a large project or a small one, it is a great way to stay grounded. It is extremely therapeutic – not to mention it is very rewarding to start from nothing but an idea and finish with a completed physical product!

But the power tools required to complete a project can be harmful. An electric drill can be up to 95dB, and a power saw can reach 110dB, so even if you are only using the tool for a short period, ear protection is definitely required.

Your Ears Need Protection

Most people take their hearing for granted when they can hear well and aren’t having any issues. However, what if one day you start to experience hearing loss? Consulting an audiologist is the best way to ensure you get the right hearing protection for your needs. 

Depending on your hobbies, they have an understanding of the risks posed by the type of environment it is in and they can suggest ways to take preemptive measures against hearing loss.

To inquire about available options for hearing protection, give Hearing Solutions of Louisiana a call today at (337) 607-0630!