How to Protect Your Hearing On — & Off — the Water
By Alton Jones & Alton Jones Jr.
Success in fishing isn’t just measured by catching the biggest or the most bass; it’s also found in those brief moments of opportunity when we spot a fish feeding and know where to cast our lines. While we’re often on the lookout for schooling activity, we may not always see that instant when the fish breaks the surface of the water to actively feed or when birds get excited over a school. Instead, we rely on our hearing to help us catch those telltale noises so we can take advantage of them.
As anglers, we know fishing is all about our senses — the feel of our rods, the sights on the surface of and down in the water, and the sounds around us. Whether a hobbyist or a pro, all of these senses are vital to catching fish. If one is off, it could mean catching less fish.
We know firsthand how important our hearing is to both our sport and our lives. Just a couple of years ago, I, Alton Sr., discovered that I had moderate noise-induced hearing loss caused by years of heavy winds during long runs. Prolonged exposure to anything louder than 85 decibels can cause it. You may not realize it, but wind noise can exceed 100 decibels depending on the boat’s speed. Even the water hitting the hull produces sounds that can affect your ears! Over time, those sounds can do real damage to our hearing.
That’s why it’s important to protect our hearing both on — and off — the water. Since May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, here’s how:
Always Wear Ear Protection During Runs
It’s one of the most exhilarating parts of fishing — firing up the motor then riding 50, 60, or 100 miles at 70 miles per hour to that perfect honey hole. Unfortunately, as most of us who’ve made really long runs can attest, we reach our destinations with a ringing and tingling in our ears. That ringing we experience isn’t just a normal part of the run — it’s a warning sign our ears have been exposed to more noise than they can handle.
One way to limit the damage and ringing is to always wear earplugs or noise-reducing headphones while you’re making the run. Whether we’re at a Bassmaster Elite tournament or fishing with friends, we make sure we’re wearing proper earplugs when the boat is moving at high speeds. Earplugs don’t block out the sound completely; they just make it safer.
There’s a wide variety of options to choose from — everything from average foam earplugs that you can find at a drugstore or sporting goods store to custom-made industrial plugs are available. Whatever you choose, be sure to wear them consistently. Your ears will thank you!
Pay Attention to the Sound “Clues”
Fishing may be tranquil, but it’s definitely not quiet! There’s always some sort of ancillary noise going on, such as the water lapping the shore or birds flying overhead. If you’ve stopped noticing these “calls of nature”, so to speak, you should get your hearing checked. Luckily, many places, like Miracle-Ear, offer free hearing check-ups.
While hearing loss isn’t reversible, it is preventable. The sooner you notice these sound “clues” — or lack thereof — and the sooner you get your hearing checked, you may be able to slow or stop the progression of noise-induced hearing loss. Pay attention to the sounds that you should be hearing, but may not realize you’re missing.
Don’t Wait Until You Can’t Hear
While it’s never too early to start preventing hearing loss, don’t wait until it’s too late. Often, people tell us that they’re embarrassed at the thought of getting their hearing checked or at wearing hearing aids if they need them.
The truth is, getting regular hearing check-ups and taking precautions is an investment in your future. The benefits far outweigh the stigma. You’ll end up with a better quality of life and hopefully more fish in your count. Remember — protecting your hearing is as important as what you’re putting on your line!