Peter studied hearing aid fitting at the world headquarters of Starkey Labs. He was able to have hands on training with the company’s founder, Bill Austin. He has also undergone advanced training in the smallest, nearly invisible style hearing aids, and has expanded his education by traveling to Denmark to learn directly from European hearing aid manufacturers. He continues to attend conferences and training seminars to stay current on the rapidly evolving world of hearing aid technology.
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Summertime! The perfect season for relaxing on the porch with a cold drink, for BBQs with loved ones, and for giving your home a new look. But while these home improvements can be exciting, they can also be alarmingly noisy. That’s where we, your trusted hearing care experts, come in. Let’s give you the lowdown on how to improve your home while safeguarding your precious ears.
Don’t Turn a Deaf Ear to Home Improvement Noises
When sprucing up your home, you might be dealing with a variety of noisy equipment, from power drills to lawnmowers, and everything in between. While it’s easy to dismiss these sounds as part and parcel of home renovation, they can take a toll on your hearing. The consistent exposure to loud noise can potentially worsen any pre-existing hearing issues you suspect you have. But worry not! There are ways to mitigate this, and we’re here to guide you through it.
Noisiest Home Tools
Circular Saw: When you fire up a circular saw, get ready for that high-pitched screech that can wake up the whole neighborhood. It’s great for woodworking, but it definitely likes to announce its presence.
Chainsaw: The roar of the engine mixed with the teeth of the chain tearing through timber creates a symphony of noise.
Angle Grinder: That’s the sound of an angle grinder doing its thing. These versatile tools are loud and proud, whether you’re grinding, cutting, or polishing.
Jackhammer: When you bring out a jackhammer, you’re in for some serious noise. These beasts are used for heavy-duty construction work and demolition, and they pound away at the ground with a thunderous sound that can rattle your bones.
Power Drill: Alright, power drills may not be the loudest tools on the block, but they can still make some noise. Especially if you’re drilling into tough materials like metal or concrete, those high-speed rotations can create a pretty decent racket.
Air Compressor: Hey, ever heard a constant whooshing noise that sounds like an air jet taking off? That’s an air compressor in action! These devices pump out compressed air for all your pneumatic tools, and they’re not shy about letting everyone know they’re on.
Leaf Blower: These machines can clear leaves and debris from your yard, but they come with a soundtrack of their own—loud and mighty!
Table Saw: When you fire up a table saw, you’ll hear a mix of motor noise and the satisfying whirr of the blade cutting through wood. It’s not the loudest tool out there, but it definitely makes its presence known.
Understanding the Noise Levels
We’ve talked about the problem, now let’s get to the specifics. You see, noise is measured in decibels (dB), and the risk of noise-induced hearing loss increases as the decibel level rises. Common power tools can range anywhere from 80 to 130 dB, much higher than the comfortable hearing level of 60 dB. Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of these levels when choosing your home improvement equipment.
The Sound of Silence: Embrace the New Generation of Electric Tools
As we step into the future, it’s time to bid farewell to your gas-powered tools. The new generation of electric tools is making its mark by not making a noise! These innovative gadgets offer a quieter, smoother, and more eco-friendly alternative to their noisy counterparts. Whether it’s a power drill or a leaf blower, you’ll find a quieter electric version.
It’s not just about the noise. Electric tools also contribute less to air pollution and can be more energy-efficient, leading to significant savings on your energy bill. This switch might seem like a small step, but it’s a leap for your hearing health.
Your Hearing Aid: The Secret Weapon to Protect Your Hearing
Worried about the effects of noise on your hearing? Your trusty hearing aid could be the solution. These marvels of technology can regulate the level of sound entering your ear, protecting you from potentially harmful noise while ensuring you don’t miss out on essential sounds. If you’ve been suspecting hearing loss, there’s no better time to consult a hearing professional and explore your hearing aid options.
Your Health, Our Expertise
At our hearing practice, we understand the uniqueness of each individual’s hearing health. We believe in personalised solutions, tailoring hearing aids to suit your needs and lifestyle. Whether you’re an ardent DIY-er or someone who enjoys the occasional home improvement project, we’re here to ensure that your hearing health doesn’t take a back seat.
Turn Down the Volume on Noise, Not on Life
In the end, improving your home should not mean compromising your hearing. Embrace quieter tools, understand noise levels, and equip yourself with a suitable hearing aid. As the experts in hearing care, we can’t stress enough the importance of protecting your hearing during your home improvement endeavors.
Don’t Wait to Hear the Difference
Don’t let the sounds of summer fun drown out the joy of the season. Now that you’re aware of how noisy home equipment could impact your hearing, it’s time to act. Visit our hearing practice to explore your hearing aid options. Let’s turn down the noise and turn up the joy in your life. We are here for you, every step of the way.
Remember, a healthy hearing lifestyle is just an appointment away!