Summer is here!
That means it’s time to get out and partake in all of the exciting experiences that the season has to provide. But don’t forget about your hearing’s health before you head out for a day on the beach, a rocking concert, or maybe a great backyard barbecue.
Loud noises can harm your hearing, even if you don’t feel like they’re that loud. During the summer you’re much more likely to be exposed to loud sounds, so it’s very important to take the appropriate steps to protect your hearing.
Here are several activities that are best enjoyed with earplugs.
Going for a swim
Even in clean pools, there can be parasites and bacteria that can result in swimmer’s ear. Earplugs will help keep water out of your ears and prevent infection.
Contaminated water getting into your ears, while usually not a serious issue, can have some negative consequences. It can cause swelling, pain, and even temporary hearing loss.
Left untreated, infections can cause damage to the eardrum and the delicate inner workings of the ear.
If you’re going into a hot tub or pool it won’t be possible to avoid all germs and pathogens, but your ears can get some protection by wearing a pair of swimmers earplugs.
Live performances and concerts
Summertime is the best time for an evening of live music. Because the entertainers are trying to reach such a large audience, however, noise levels are often off the charts.
You could be exposed to over 120dB of sound depending on where you’re standing. These volume levels can instantly trigger hearing loss that can be permanent.
Earplugs are designed to reduce sound, not distort it. Earplugs have an NRR rating with a range of 20 to 33, which establishes the strength of the protection. 20dB of sound will be stopped by earplugs with a 20 NRR rating. So if you’re attending a concert with 120dB of sound, it will be reduced to 100dB.
However, that’s still a potentially damaging level.
Protecting your hearing will mean using a higher NRR the closer to the speakers you will be standing. Even if you get the highest level of hearing protection, you will still be exposed to sounds loud enough to cause permanent hearing damage within 15 minutes. For the best protection, stand far away from the speakers and wear earplugs.
This doesn’t just pertain to concerts, it’s also true for things like festivals, movies, plays, sporting events, and any other event where sound will be boosted through speakers.
property maintenance
The grass will keep growing 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.
Power equipment and other yard equipment can be very loud, and prolonged exposure can and will harm your hearing. The noise from this equipment can be decreased and your ears can be protected by wearing earplugs.
If you aren’t wearing earplugs when you use the mower, over time, you will be noticeably doing hearing loss.
Independence Day
They’re an essential aspect of Independence Day. When July comes around, it’s time to celebrate the birth of our country. But fireworks have a dark side. The noise they create can be in excess of 175 dB. That’s the volume of a gun being fired right beside your head!
If you’re attending a display in which the fireworks are thunderous and recurring, you’ll definitely need earplugs. If you’re near to the action, the highest NRR rating is recommended. You’ll safeguard your hearing from damage and the fireworks will still sound loud enough.
Safeguarding your ears is important
Seek help before your hearing loss becomes severe. Most individuals most likely won’t even realize that their hearing is gradually going until it’s too late, and unfortunately, it’s irreversible. Give us a call right away so we can help you identify any risks you might have.