Kayaking at Detroit Lake or hiking one of your favorite Salem trails can be great ways to spend a fall day. Regardless of your favorite outdoor activity, knowing how to protect yourself from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays is essential to a fun day out. Soaking in the sun’s warm rays is nice on occasion, but too much exposure to sunlight can cause damage to the skin, eyes, immune system and hearing health.
Sun exposure can produce a condition known as oxidative stress. With oxidative stress, your body has a surplus of free radicals and insufficient antioxidants to eradicate them, leading to cell and tissue damage and accelerated aging.
One study analyzed the chronic sun exposure of 805 Japanese men and women to identify possible links between UV light and hearing loss. Sun exposure was assessed by the severity of photodamage to the skin. The analysis concluded that the oxidative stress released from chronic exposure to UV light can be a risk factor in the development of hearing loss.
Taking steps to protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays is an excellent way to protect yourself against oxidative stress-induced hearing loss. Let’s look at a couple of tips for sun protection.
Wear Sunscreen
Apply chemical or mineral sunscreen every two hours during sun exposure to help protect against UV rays. Dermatologists recommend wearing a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF (sun protection factor). An SPF of 30 will block 97% of the sun’s UV rays. If you are extremely sensitive to the sun, consider using an SPF 50 or higher. While no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays, a higher SPF will significantly help reduce sunburn.
Wear Long Sleeves
Long sleeves and pants are a great addition to a sunny day. Look for fabrics designed for sun protection as they are made to remain cool while blocking out UV rays. If it is very hot, drink plenty of water, remove layers and sit in the shade if you overheat.
Carry an Umbrella
An umbrella is an excellent option for extra hot days. With an umbrella, you can keep your face, shoulders and arms in the shade without the added heat of long sleeves. If you plan to spend the whole day on the beach, consider bringing a portable awning or large umbrella to sit under.
To learn more about hearing loss protection, or to schedule a hearing test, contact Willamette ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.
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