Dr. Palmer Speaks with WTOP About Hearing Protection and Summer Sounds

Academy President Catherine Palmer, PhD, spoke with WTOP about how to protect your hearing from loud summer noise, as well as what to expect if you do experience some hearing loss.

During the summer months, the Academy wants you to be thoughtful and aware of the “dose” of sound; that’s how much, and how long.

Acoustic trauma from loud noises can cause damage immediately, and over time individuals can experience moderate to severe hearing loss. Being within a few hundred yards of fireworks can injure hearing immediately, posing a greater threat to the person lighting them, as well as the bystanders.

But summer sounds are not just limited to the short bursts of fireworks, they extend to the regular noises of lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and loud music.

Once permanent damage had been done, there is no way to treat the hearing loss, so it is important to take preventative measures such as ear plugs, head sets, or both to lessen the harmful impact.

Use these Academy Resources to reach consumers, patients and potential patients, and the media.

• The Academy Recommends Protecting Your Hearing from Loud Outdoor Noise Exposure (June 2020) (.docx)
• Working on your lawn this summer? Take care to protect your hearing!
•  Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Fact Sheet
• Sound Clip #1
  
• Sound Clip #2