Golf is a very popular pastime across Ireland, and many people enjoy it as a great way to exercise and wind down after a busy week. However, new research suggests that golf may carry potential problems for your hearing!
Hearing loss is very common, particularly in older people, and it is often linked to loud noise exposure – usually over long periods of time, such as a lifetime of working on a construction site. However, hearing loss may also result from exposure to impulse noise, which are defined as short duration, high-intensity noises. The most well recognized examples are explosions or gunshots, but another type of impulse noise is the sound emitted when a golf club connects hard with a golf ball.
How Loud Is Too Loud?
We measure sound in decibels (dB), and normal conversation occurs around 60-70dB. Noises over 85dB can cause temporary or permanent damage to hearing, especially if exposure to these noises is sustained, and warnings are often given regarding loud music as, for example, the volume at a rock concert can exceed 130dB. However, the golfer’s ‘ping’ can be extremely loud, with a study using titanium clubs showing that all made a high intensity noise of more than 120dB when they connected with the ball.
How Can I Protect My Ears?
If you are engaging in any activity that is likely to expose you to loud noises, it is very important to protect your ears to prevent hearing loss. Noise reducing headphones or tiny earplugs that fit inside the ears and are almost invisible to others, are available to purchase and should be considered an essential for any music concert or festival – or even a round of golf!
If you work in a noisy environment, it is likely that hearing protection will be part of your personal protection equipment. If it is not, you should speak to your employer about this as soon as possible and ensure that the health of your ears is protected in the future.
How Can I Tell If I Have Hearing Loss?
When you first become aware of hearing loss, you may notice the following:
- Difficulty hearing conversations
- Problems using the telephone
- Requiring a louder volume on the television or radio than others in the room
- Missing details of announcements
- Continually missing certain sounds, such as high-pitched voices, or low noises.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult an experienced audiologist. Hidden Hearing audiologists will be happy to discuss any problems you are experiencing and give you a free hearing test. Some hearing problems can be caused by ear wax blockages, for example, which can be quickly and easily resolved, so it is always worth seeking advice as soon as possible.
Book a Free Hearing Test or Earwax Removal at Hidden Hearing
Hidden Hearing is Ireland’s leading private provider of hearing care solutions, and our national network includes over seventy-five branches and clinics. You can visit us for a free hearing test and discuss any hearing problems with our audiologists to find the best solution for you and your lifestyle.
Contact Hidden Hearing online today, or pop into your local branch.