YEE-HAW! The rodeo is coming to town! Before you dust off your boots and straighten your cowboy hat, make sure you have a plan to protect your hearing at all your favorite rodeo events.
Noise levels at rodeos often reach or exceed 85–90 decibels, which is considered the beginning of the “danger zone” for hearing loss. Loudspeakers, announcers, live music, and buzzers signaling competition starts and stops all add up to a high-decibel environment that can cause permanent hearing damage—especially with prolonged exposure.
Keep your ears safe and your hearing healthy with these simple tips:
- Foam earplugs – Inexpensive and easy to find at any pharmacy. When inserted correctly, they have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 28 to 33 dB.
- Earmuffs – More durable than foam plugs and available with NRRs up to 31. Great for everyone—including the tiniest cowboys and cowgirls!
- Double protection – Combine foam earplugs and earmuffs for extra safety, achieving an NRR up to 36.
Watch for these signs that sounds are too loud:
- You must raise your voice to be heard.
- You can’t understand someone standing a few feet away.
- Speech sounds muffled or dull after leaving a noisy area.
- You notice pain or ringing in your ears (tinnitus), which can last from a few minutes to a few days (ASHA, 2017).
Noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable with proper hearing protection!
If you think you may have experienced hearing loss from noise exposure, give us a holler at 465-803-5555 to schedule a hearing test at one of our convenient locations in Dallas, Frisco, or Fort Worth.
