Summer is here!
This summer season offers tons of fun. But before you go to the beach, the concert, or the backyard cookout, don’t forget to protect your hearing.
Loud noises can damage your hearing, even if you don’t feel like they’re very loud. In the summer you’re a lot more likely to be exposed to loud sounds, so it’s very important to take the appropriate steps to protect your hearing.
One of the most significant steps is utilizing earplugs, particularly under certain conditions.
Swimming
Bacteria and parasites love water and can even live in fairly clean pools potentially leading to swimmer’s ear. Earplugs will help keep water out of your ears and stop infection.
Polluted water getting inside of your ears, while normally not a serious problem, can have some adverse consequences. It can result in inflammation, pain, and even short-term hearing loss.
The eardrum and also the fragile inner workings of the ear can be damaged by untreated infections.
If you are going into a hot tub or pool it will be impossible to steer clear of all germs and pathogens, but your ears can get some protection by using a pair of swimmers earplugs.
Concerts and live performances
Going to a concert is always a good time, particularly in the summer months. Because the entertainers are attempting to reach such a big audience, however, noise levels are usually really high.
You might be exposed to more than 120dB of sound depending on the spot that you’re standing. These volume levels can instantly cause hearing loss that can be permanent.
Earplugs will stop some of that sound but won’t distort it. Earplugs have an NRR rating with a range of 20 to 33, which identifies the strength of the protection. 20dB of sound will be stopped by earplugs with a 20 NRR rating. So a 120-dB concert will be lowered to around 100 dB.
However, that’s still a potentially harmful level.
The closer to the speaker you are, the higher NRR you’ll need to safeguard your ears and prevent irreversible hearing damage. Within 15 minutes, you can experience permanent hearing damage even if you make use of the highest level of protection. Use earplugs and stand well away from the speakers for optimum protection.
This doesn’t only pertain to concerts, it’s also relevant for things like festivals, movies, plays, sporting events, and any other event where sound will be boosted through speakers.
Yard work
The grass is going to continue o grow so mowing will be necessary pretty much every week. You routinely edge the flowerbeds and weed the steps to keep your yard from looking messy. Then you use a weed-whacker to touch up around the trees.
Your hearing will certainly be compromised by the volume level of yard equipment. The noise from this equipment can be reduced and your ears can be safeguarded by wearing earplugs.
If you’re mowing the lawn without earplugs, you’re slowly damaging your ears and it will become more apparent over time.
Independence Day
They’re a key aspect of Independence Day. On the 4th of July, we will all be celebrating our country’s independence. But fireworks have a negative side. They can create up to 175dB of noise. That’s as loud as a pistol being fired right beside your head!
You’ll absolutely want earplugs if you’re going to a big fireworks show. If you’re near to the action, the highest NRR rating is advisable. You’ll still hear the fireworks and they will still be loud, but you’ll be protecting your ears from future hearing loss.
It’s important to protect your ears
Don’t wait until your hearing loss is severe to get help. Most people probably won’t even realize that their hearing is slowly going until it’s too late, and regrettably, it’s irreversible. Contact us right away so we can help you identify any risks you may have.