For those of us who love watching sports, summer is always such a rich time! From world-class tennis tournaments to NBA Finals to the upcoming Olympics, we’ve got sports on the brain. While the stands may look a little less crowded these days, there are still serious fans who make it out for live sporting events.
Believe it or not, hearing loss is a risk for athletes. There are two main ways that athletes suffer hearing loss: loud noise and injuries.
- Loud noise: Athletes love playing in a packed venue. They feed off the roar of the crowd, and the fans help them play their best game. However, the screaming fans and blaring music can be extremely loud, or even distracting. For athletes who play week after week, all that noise can start to take a toll on their hearing. Athletes work in a lot of noise, and they have a higher risk of hearing loss.
- Injuries: Another way athletes can suffer hearing loss is through injuries. Athletes who play contact sports are the most at risk of sustaining an injury that could cause hearing loss. Any injury of the head or ear, such as a blow to the head or a concussion, can lead to a hearing loss. These injuries can damage the cells in the ear, causing permanent hearing loss.
Can Athletes Play with Hearing Loss?
For some athletes, having a hearing loss can signal the end of their career. After all, when players are on the field, they need to know exactly where everyone is, and their sense of hearing helps them keep track of where and when other players are moving.
However, some athletes are finding ways to maintain their careers even with hearing loss. For example, Derrick Coleman, NFL player for the Seattle Seahawks, has had hearing loss since he was a child. He’s been wearing hearing aids most of his life, including on the field. He even says that his hearing loss helps him tune out the sounds from the stands, and really focus on the game.
Another player with hearing loss is Lance Allred, NBA player for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was born with hearing loss, but he’s a great player. His team helps him play his best game by using more hand signals so that he always knows what’s going on.
Protect Your Hearing During Games
The noise levels at a regular sports event are dangerously loud and can damage your hearing in just one game. We recommend wearing foam or wax earplugs if you are in the stands. These small, lightweight earplugs are easy to slip into your pocket or bag, and you can pop them in when it starts to get loud.
If you’re taking your kids to see a game, have a conversation about hearing loss beforehand. Make sure your children understand the hazards of loud noise. Children are more sensitive to loud noises than adults, and their hearing can be damaged sooner. Make sure you teach your teens how to properly insert foam earplugs, and bring earmuffs along for younger children.
Are you wondering when you should put in your hearing protection? If in doubt, it’s probably already too loud and you should put them in. One good rule of thumb is to talk to the person next to you. Do you have to yell to have a conversation? That means it’s too loud, and you need to protect your hearing.
Hearing Aids for Hearing Loss
If you have hearing loss, finding the right hearing aids will be a game-changer. When you wear hearing devices, you’ll be able to hear all the sounds around you. You’ll also be able to have conversations with your family and friends without asking people to repeat themselves. You’ll even be able to hear conversations in places with background noise!
We have a wide selection of the world’s best hearing aids. Whether you’re an athlete or a fan, getting the right hearing aids can change your life. Visit us today to find out more about hearing aids and discover all your options for great hearing.