Summer is here!
That means it’s time to get out and partake in all of the exciting experiences that the season has to offer. But before you hit the beach, the concert, or the backyard barbecue, don’t forget to take care of your hearing.
Loud noises can damage your hearing, even if you don’t feel like they’re that loud. In the summer you’re much more likely to be exposed to loud sounds, so it’s really important to take the appropriate steps to safeguard your hearing.
One of the most important steps is utilizing earplugs, particularly under certain conditions.
Swimming
Bacteria and parasites love water and can even live in relatively clean pools potentially resulting in swimmer’s ear. Earplugs will help keep water out of your ears and stop infection.
Contaminated water getting into your ears, while normally not a serious problem, can have some unwanted repercussions. It can result in inflammation, pain, and even short-term hearing loss.
Left unaddressed, infections can lead to damage to the eardrum and the fragile inner workings of the ear.
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 a level of protection by wearing a pair of swimmers earplugs.
Concerts and live performances
Attending a concert is always fun, especially during the summer. Because the performers are trying to reach such a big audience, however, volume levels are often really high.
You could be exposed to over 120dB of volume depending on the spot that you’re standing. These volume levels can instantly trigger hearing loss that can be permanent.
Earplugs will block some of that sound but won’t distort it. Earplugs have an NRR rating with a range of 20 to 33, which establishes the strength of the protection. An NRR of 20 will lower the sound by 20 dB. So if you’re at a concert with 120dB of sound, it will be lowered to 100dB.
But that amount of sound can still potentially harm your hearing.
The closer to the speaker you are, the higher NRR you’ll need to protect your ears and prevent permanent hearing damage. Within 15 minutes, you can experience permanent hearing damage even if you make use of the highest level of protection. For the highest level of protection, stand far away from the speakers and use earplugs.
The same goes for indoor concerts, sporting events, plays, movies, cook-outs, celebrations, or other events where sounds are being amplified through speakers.
Yard work
The grass will continue o grow so mowing will be required pretty much every week. You take steps such as edging flower beds and weeding the gardens so your yard looks nice. Then you utilize a weed-whacker to clean 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 protected by using earplugs.
If you aren’t using earplugs when you use the mower, over time, you will be observably causing hearing loss.
Independence Day
It wouldn’t be Independence Day without them. On the 4th of July, we will all be celebrating our nation’s independence. But there’s a negative side to fireworks. They can generate up to 175dB of noise. That’s as loud as a gun being fired right beside your head!
If you’re attending a show in which the fireworks are booming and recurring, you’ll certainly need earplugs. If you’re near to the action, the highest NRR rating is recommended. You’ll still be able to hear the fireworks and they will still be loud, but you’ll be safeguarding your hearing from future hearing loss.
It’s important to protect your hearing
Don’t wait until your hearing loss is severe to seek help. Most individuals most likely won’t even recognize 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 determine any risks you might have.