Living in Santa Barbara means that fun trips to Mesa Lane Beach are only a short drive away. Whether you enjoy swimming or sunbathing, knowing how to protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays is essential to a fun time. Not only can sun exposure cause damage to the skin, eyes and immune system, but it may also lead to hearing loss.
Let’s discuss the link between hearing loss and sun exposure and how to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
Sun Exposure and Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is a condition that can occur when there is a surplus of free radicals in the body and not enough antioxidants to eradicate them, leading to cell and tissue damage and accelerated aging. Ultraviolet light, found in sunlight, is one possible source of the creation of oxidative stress in the body.
A study on sun exposure as a risk factor for hearing loss tested the chronic sun exposure of 805 Japanese men and women. Sun exposure was assessed by the severity of photodamaged skin, manifested as skin wrinkling and hyperpigmentation. The analysis showed that the oxidative stress released from chronic sun exposure is a risk factor in the development of hearing loss. The best way to prevent oxidative stress-induced hearing loss from sun exposure is to take steps to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
Tips for Sun Protection
Protecting yourself from UV rays will not only help prevent oxidative stress-induced hearing loss but can also help prevent skin cancer, premature aging and damage to the eyes and immune system. Some easy ways to prevent UV ray damage include:
- Wearing sunscreen. Chemical or mineral sunscreen applied every two hours during sun exposure can help protect you from UV rays. Dermatologists recommend wearing a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. SPF 30 will block 97% of the sun’s UVB rays. Higher SPF will block slightly more but cannot block 100%.
- Covering up. If you are very sensitive to the sun, consider wearing long sleeves and pants on sunny days. Look for fabrics designed for sun protection as they are usually cooler while blocking out UV rays. You may also consider carrying an umbrella to cover your face and arms on sunny days.
For more information on protecting yourself from hearing loss, contact Hearing Services of Santa Barbara today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.
