Summer has finally arrived!
This summer season offers a lot of fun. But before you hit the beach, the concert, or the backyard barbecue, remember 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 much 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, especially under certain conditions.
Swimming
Bacteria and parasites 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.
Contaminated water getting into your ears, while normally not a serious issue, can have some negative repercussions. It can result in inflammation, pain, and even short-term hearing loss.
The eardrum and also the delicate inner workings of the ear can be damaged by untreated infections.
If you are 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
Attending a concert is always a good time, particularly in the summer months. Because the performers are trying to reach such a large audience, however, volume levels are often really high.
Depending on where you’re standing at the venue, you might be exposed to as much as 120dB of sound. 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 establishes the strength of the protection. 20dB of sound will be blocked 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.
Protecting your hearing will mean using a higher NRR the closer to the speakers you will be standing. Within 15 minutes, you can experience irreversible hearing damage even if you make use of the highest level of protection. Wear earplugs and stand well away from the speakers for optimum protection.
The same goes for indoor concerts, sporting events, plays, movies, barbecues, festivals, or other events where sounds are being amplified 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 like a mess. Then you keep the long grass under control with a weed-whacker.
Your hearing will certainly be damaged by the loud volume of yard equipment. Earplugs will help lessen the noise from these tools and protect your hearing.
If you aren’t using earplugs when you use the mower, over time, you will be observably causing hearing loss.
Independence Day
They’re an essential aspect of Independence Day. On the 4th of July, we will all be celebrating our country’s independence. But fireworks have a dark side. They can produce up to 175dB of noise. That’s as loud as a pistol being fired right beside your head!
If you’re attending a show where the fireworks are thunderous and recurring, you’ll definitely need earplugs. If you’re close to the action, the highest NRR rating is suggested. You’ll safeguard your ears from damage and the fireworks will still be loud enough.
It’s important to protect your hearing
Don’t wait until your hearing loss is significant to seek help. Most individuals probably won’t even realize that their hearing is gradually going until it’s too late, and unfortunately, there’s no cure. Call us right away so we can help you determine any risks you might have.