{"id":2316,"date":"2023-10-06T13:50:03","date_gmt":"2023-10-06T18:50:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/river-ent.com\/?p=2316"},"modified":"2023-10-06T13:50:05","modified_gmt":"2023-10-06T18:50:05","slug":"how-can-cycling-affect-your-hearing-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/river-ent.com\/how-can-cycling-affect-your-hearing-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How Can Cycling Affect Your Hearing Health?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Cycling is a low-impact, aerobic exercise that is a great option if you\u2019re looking to strengthen your heart, blood vessels and lungs<\/a>. Whether you\u2019re going for a spin class, a leisurely ride along the Southern Walnut Creek Trail or setting off on a three-day cycling and backpacking trip, knowing how to protect your hearing<\/a> during your rides is essential to your continued enjoyment of the sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s take a look at the impact cycling has on your hearing and what you can do to protect your ears on your next ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sound is measured in decibels (dB). For example, a washing machine or dishwasher reaches noise levels of approximately 70 dB, and standing near sirens or alarms will expose you to approximately 120 dB. The Centers for Disease Control defines the threshold for hearing loss as \u201cNoise above 70 dB over a prolonged period of time may start to damage your hearing. Loud noise above 120 dB can cause immediate harm to your ears<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n One study evaluating the volume of wind noise when cycling found that cyclists are exposed to decibels ranging from 84.9 dB at 10 mph to 120.3 dB at 60 mph<\/a>. Because the volume of wind when cycling outdoors is well within the threshold for hearing loss, it is vital to protect your ears using one or more of the following methods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n While there is no wind noise while cycling indoors, music and instructor volumes may reach dangerous levels. One study evaluating the volume of 17 spin classes in Boston, Massachusetts, found that attendees were exposed to an average of 31.6 minutes of noise exceeding 100 dB<\/a>, or well over the CDC-defined threshold for hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To protect your hearing while cycling indoors, consider swapping your spin class for an at-home stationary bike. If you prefer the in-class experience, wear earplugs to reduce the impact with which sound hits your ear canal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information on protecting your hearing, contact River ENT<\/span> today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is the Threshold for Hearing Loss?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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The Impact on Hearing When Cycling Outdoors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Impact on Hearing When Cycling Indoors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n