Include Hearing In Your 2019 Health Plans

Working up a good sweat at the gym can do a body good – well, some of the body anyway.The beginning of a new year is the most popular time to dedicate oneself to a healthier lifestyle. Indeed, many people put exercise at the top of their New Year’s resolution list.If you’ve ever taken a fitness class at a gym, however, it doesn’t take long to realize the environment isn’t conducive to good hearing health. The blaring music. The instructors yelling over the blaring music. The weights clanging against each other. The music playing in your earbuds (which has to compete with the other sounds).

Chances are good the sounds are louder than 85 decibels, the level at which hearing damage can begin.Audiology & Hearing Services of Charlotte offers the following suggestions to make sure staying fit doesn’t sacrifice your hearing health:

1. Speak up to turn it down: Don’t be shy about suggesting the gym or instructor turns the music down from 11 to help reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. If they won’t comply, consider another location to see if they are more responsive to your request.
2. Earplugs are your friend: If it proves impossible to avoid the loud sounds, pack a pair of earplugs in your gym bag. You’ll still be able to hear but not be subjected to the damaging sound levels filling the room. To get the best fit, see an audiologist for a customized set. You’ll be able to keep working out intensely without the hassle of them falling out.
3. Break up your workout: The longer amount of time you’re exposed to loud sounds, the greater your chances of permanent hearing damage. Take a break for water or another activity to give your ears a break from the noise, which can easily reach 100 decibels in fitness centers.
4. Distance yourself from speakers: Although it can be difficult to escape the speakers in a small room, the more room between them and your ears, the better off you’ll be.

To find out more about our services – including custom hearing protection – call Audiology & Hearing Services of Charlotte at 704-412-7975 or contact us online.