Summer is here!
That means it’s time to go out and partake in all of the fun activities that the season has to provide. But before you hit the beach, the concert, or the backyard cookout, don’t forget to take care of your hearing.
When you’re out enjoying summer, remember that your hearing can be harmed by loud noises. So it’s essential to take steps to safeguard your ears, especially during the summer months when you’re more likely to be exposed to loud noises.
One of the most significant steps is using earplugs, particularly under certain conditions.
Swimming
Parasites and bacteria love water and can even live in relatively clean pools potentially resulting in swimmer’s ear. You can prevent infections by keeping your ears dry and earplugs can help you do this.
While pool-borne infection is rarely serious, contaminated water getting into your ear canal can have harmful effects. It can result in swelling, pain, and even short-term hearing loss.
Left untreated, infections can cause 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 using a pair of swimmers earplugs.
Concerts and live performances
Summer is the perfect time for a night of live music. Because the performers are trying to reach such a large audience, however, volume levels are often off the charts.
Depending on where you’re standing at the venue, you may be exposed to as much as 120dB of sound. These volume levels can immediately trigger hearing loss that can be permanent.
Earplugs are designed to reduce sound, not distort it. The level of sound that can be blocked by earplugs will be determined by an NRR rating of between 20 and 33. 20dB of sound will be blocked by earplugs with a 20 NRR rating. So a 120-dB concert will be reduced to around 100 dB.
But that amount of sound can still potentially damage your hearing.
Protecting your hearing will mean utilizing a higher NRR the closer to the speakers you will be standing. Within 15 minutes, you can experience irreversible hearing damage even if you use the highest level of protection. For the highest level of protection, stand a distance from the speakers and use earplugs.
This doesn’t just apply 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
You do it every week, but the grass keeps growing. You regularly edge the flowerbeds and weed the steps to keep your yard from looking messy. Then you utilize a weed-whacker to clean up around the trees.
Power tools and other yard equipment can be very loud, and sustained exposure can and will damage your hearing. Earplugs will help lessen the noise from these tools and safeguard your hearing.
If you’re not using earplugs when you use the mower, over time, you will be noticeably causing hearing loss.
Independence day
It wouldn’t be Independence Day without them. On the 4th of July, we will all be celebrating our country’s independence. But fireworks have a negative side. They can produce up to 175dB of noise. If you fired a gun right next to your head it would be about this volume.
You’ll absolutely want earplugs if you’re attending a large fireworks show. You should get the highest NRR rated earplugs, particularly if you’re close. You’ll safeguard your hearing from damage and the fireworks will still sound loud enough.
It’s important to safeguard your hearing
Get help before your hearing loss becomes severe. Hearing loss caused by loud noise can’t be corrected and since it occurs so slowly, most people don’t realize they’re harming their hearing. Contact us right away so we can help you determine any risks you may have.