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 keep the health of your hearing in mind before you head out for a day on the beach, a rocking concert, or perhaps a great backyard barbecue.
When you’re out appreciating summer, don’t forget that your hearing can be damaged by loud noises. So it’s important to take steps to protect your ears, particularly during the summer months when you’re more likely to experience loud noises.
One of the most significant steps is using earplugs, particularly under certain conditions.
Going for a swim
Even in clean pools, there can be bacteria and parasites that can result in swimmer’s ear. Earplugs will help keep your ears dry and prevent infection.
Contaminated water getting into your ears, while normally not a serious problem, can have some adverse consequences. Short-term hearing loss, pain, and inflammation can be the consequence.
The eardrum and also the fragile inner workings of the ear can be damaged by neglected infections.
If you’re going into a hot tub or pool it will be impossible to avoid all germs and pathogens, but your ears can get some protection by using a pair of swimmers earplugs.
Concerts and live performances
Attending a concert is always fun, especially in the summer months. Because the entertainers are attempting to reach such a big audience, however, noise levels are often off the charts.
You could be exposed to over 120dB of sound depending on the spot that you’re standing. That’s enough to trigger instant and permanent hearing loss.
Earplugs are fashioned to decrease 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 blocked by earplugs with a 20 NRR rating. So if you’re attending a concert with 120dB of sound, it will be lowered to 100dB.
But that degree of sound can still potentially damage your hearing.
The closer to the speaker you are, the higher NRR you’ll require to safeguard your ears and prevent permanent hearing damage. Within 15 minutes, you can experience permanent hearing damage even if you use the highest level of protection. Wear earplugs and stand at a distance from the speakers for best protection.
This doesn’t just 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 keep growing so mowing will be required pretty much every week. You routinely edge the flowerbeds and weed the steps to keep your yard from looking messy. Then you keep the long grass under control with a weed-whacker.
Power tools and other yard equipment can be really loud, and sustained exposure can and will harm your hearing. The noise from this equipment can be reduced and your ears can be protected by using 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
It wouldn’t be Independence Day without them. When July comes around, it’s time to celebrate the independence of our nation. But there’s a negative side to fireworks. They can create up to 175dB of noise. That’s as loud as a gun being discharged right next to your head!
If you’re going to a display where the fireworks are thunderous and recurring, you’ll definitely need earplugs. You should acquire the highest NRR rated earplugs, particularly if you’re close. You’ll protect your ears from damage and the fireworks will still sound loud enough.
Safeguarding your hearing is important
Don’t wait until your hearing loss is extreme to get help. Most individuals probably won’t even recognize that their hearing is gradually going until it’s too late, and regrettably, there’s no cure. Call us right away so we can help you determine any risks you may have.