Summer is here!
That means it’s time to go out and partake in all of the exciting activities that the season has to provide. But before you hit the beach, the concert, or the backyard barbecue, don’t forget to protect your hearing.
When you’re out enjoying summer, do keep in mind that your hearing can be harmed by loud noises. So it’s important to take steps to safeguard your ears, especially during the summer months when you’re more likely to experience loud noises.
One of the most important steps is utilizing earplugs, particularly under certain conditions.
Going for a swim
Even in clean pools, there can be parasites and bacteria that can lead to 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 inside of your ear canal can have unhealthy effects. It can result in swelling, pain, and even short-term hearing loss.
Left untreated, infections can cause damage to the eardrum and the delicate inner workings of the ear.
It’s not possible to completely stay away from all pathogens in pools or hot tubs, but using swimming earplugs will help safeguard your ears.
Live performances and concerts
Summertime is the best time for an evening of live music. Because the performers are attempting to reach such a big audience, however, noise levels are usually off the charts.
Depending on where you’re standing at the venue, you might be exposed to as much as 120dB of sound. That’s enough to lead to instant and permanent hearing loss.
Earplugs will stop some of that sound but won’t distort it. The amount of sound that can be stopped by earplugs will be identified by an NRR rating of between 20 and 33. An NRR of 20 will reduce the sound by 20 dB. So if you’re attending a concert with 120dB of sound, it will be lowered to 100dB.
However, that’s still a potentially damaging level.
Safeguarding 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 use the highest level of protection. Wear earplugs and stand at a distance from the speakers for best protection.
The same applies to indoor concerts, sporting events, plays, movies, cook-outs, celebrations, or other events where sounds are being amplified through speakers.
Yard work
The grass is going to continue o grow so mowing will be necessary pretty much weekly. You regularly edge the flowerbeds and weed the steps to keep your yard from looking messy. Then you keep the long grass in check with a weed-whacker.
Your hearing will definitely be damaged by the loud volume of yard equipment. Earplugs will help lessen the noise from these tools and protect your hearing.
If you’re mowing the lawn without earplugs, you’re slowly damaging your ears and it will become more noticeable over time.
Independence Day
It wouldn’t be Independence Day without them. When July comes around, it’s time to celebrate the birth of our country. But there’s a dark side to fireworks. They can produce up to 175dB of noise. If you shot a gun right near your head it would be about this volume.
You’ll definitely want earplugs if you’re going to a big fireworks show. You should get the highest NRR rated earplugs, particularly if you’re close. You’ll still hear the fireworks and they will still be loud, but you’ll be protecting your ears from future hearing loss.
It’s important to protect your hearing
Don’t wait until your hearing loss is profound to seek help. Hearing loss related to loud noise can’t be corrected and since it occurs so slowly, most people don’t recognize they’re harming their hearing. Contact us right away so we can help you identify any risks you might have.