Anyone who has been to a football game or who has watched one on TV with an impassioned fan knows at least one thing about the sport: it’s loud. Whether you’re one of the screaming fans in the stands or you’re rooting for your team from the comfort of your living room, getting loud is just what comes naturally.
Unfortunately, any sound above 85 dB – which is about the volume of passing traffic – can cause damage to your hearing after just 15 minutes of exposure. You’ll certainly be exposed to more noise than that no matter where you enjoy the big game.
Stadium Noise
If you’re one of the lucky 65,000 people watching the Super Bowl in the Hard Rock Stadium, you’ll certainly want to invest in a set of earplugs. In 2014, the Kansas City Chiefs won the Guinness world record for loudest NFL stadium, clocking in at a whopping 142.2 decibels – louder than a jet engine flying 100 feet overhead.
Custom hearing protection from a Lake Charles audiologist will provide you superior comfort and protection. A set of earplugs from the local drugstore will also provide sufficient protection.
Bar/Restaurant Noise
You may choose to cheer on your favorite team from a local sports bar or restaurant. While you can’t control the volume at these venues either, you can give your ears a break by stepping out somewhere quiet for about 10 minutes every hour. These breaks will help your ears recover and prevent Monday morning tinnitus.
TV Noise
Many elect to watch the game from the comfort of their homes. Between the sounds of your cheering friends, the volume of the TV when you turn it up to hear the announcers and the sound of people trying to carry on conversations over all the noise, your ears can still certainly suffer.
Try to keep the volume of the TV at a comfortable volume, and don’t adjust it when the room gets louder. This should encourage people to keep their voices to a lower level, preserving the hearing of everyone at the party.
To learn more about custom hearing protection or to schedule a hearing screening, contact Hearing Center of Lake Charles today!