Each year, millions of Americans suffer from hearing loss in some capacity. For years, we’ve all been warned about the various factors that can contribute to this, such as loud stereo and television volumes and working in an occupation that emits loud noises. An area that sometimes gets overlooked is the driving habits that we practice on a daily basis. For many of us, operating a vehicle is a necessity. And the habits that we practice and our hearing can sometimes share a direct correlation with one another.
Playing the Car Stereo Too Loud
This is a habit that many people develop during their teenage years. And while it might be a hard one to break, keeping the volume at a lower level can be very beneficial to your hearing. Aside from your hearing, keeping the volume at an acceptable level can also limit distractions whenever you’re on the road.
Driving with the Windows Down
This is another habit that many drivers develop, and many are under the impression that it’s completely harmless. However, this isn’t the case. Driving with the windows down not only lets in a lot of noise from the outside world in but also generates more noise inside your vehicle as well. When paired with a loud stereo, this can be very detrimental to your hearing.
Aftermarket Performance Parts
For some drivers, having a vehicle that’s capable of high-octane performance is essential. As such, louder engines and exhaust systems are sometimes installed to increase the vehicle’s capability. And while these might be excellent for the race track, prolonged exposure to the loud noises they make can cause a significant amount of hearing loss.
Not Maintaining Your Car Properly
While the routine service you performed on your vehicle might not seem to be related to hearing loss, nothing could be farther from the truth. Not having the oil changed, exhaust maintained, and especially your brake pads periodically can all cause strange noise to emit from your vehicle. While they might seem small, prolonged exposure can do much more harm than good.
Coastal Hearing Care
If you or someone you know is experiencing the first signs of hearing loss, then getting the right help immediately makes all of the difference in the world. For our offices, appointments, and much more, pay us a visit at https://www.coastalhearingcare.com.