Summer is here!
That means it’s time to get out and partake in all of the exciting activities that the season has to provide. But before you go to the beach, the concert, or the backyard barbecue, remember to take care of your hearing.
When you’re out appreciating summer, remember that your hearing can be harmed by loud noises. 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 safeguard your hearing.
One of the most important steps is utilizing earplugs, particularly under certain conditions.
Swimming
Even in clean pools, there can be bacteria and parasites that can lead to swimmer’s ear. Earplugs will help keep water out of your ears and stop infection.
Contaminated water getting inside of your ears, while usually not a serious issue, can have some adverse repercussions. Temporary hearing loss, pain, and swelling can be the outcome.
Left unaddressed, infections can lead to 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 steer clear of all germs and pathogens, but your ears can get some protection by wearing a set of swimmers earplugs.
Live performances and concerts
Attending a concert is always a good time, particularly during the summer. Because the performers are attempting to reach such a large audience, however, volume levels are usually really high.
You might be exposed to over 120dB of volume depending on where you’re standing. That’s enough to lead to immediate and lasting 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. An NRR of 20 will lower the sound by 20 dB. 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 trigger permanent hearing damage within 15 minutes. Wear earplugs and stand well away from the speakers for optimum protection.
The same goes for 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 required pretty much every week. You take steps such as edging flower beds and weeding the gardens so your yard looks nice. Then you keep the long grass under control with a weed-whacker.
Power equipment and other yard tools can be really loud, and prolonged exposure can and will damage your hearing. Earplugs will help lessen the noise from these tools and protect your hearing.
If you’re mowing the lawn without earplugs, you’re gradually damaging your hearing and it will become more apparent over time.
Independence Day
It wouldn’t be Independence Day without them. When July arrives, it’s time to celebrate the independence of our country. But fireworks have a negative side. They can generate up to 175dB of noise. If you shot a gun right next to your head it would be about this volume.
You’ll absolutely want earplugs if you’re going to a big fireworks show. If you’re close to the action, the highest NRR rating is advisable. You’ll safeguard your ears from damage and the fireworks will still be loud enough.
It’s important to safeguard your ears
Get help before your hearing loss becomes severe. Hearing loss caused by loud noise can’t be corrected and since it takes place so gradually, most people don’t realize they’re damaging their hearing. Get your hearing assessed regularly by us to determine your risk level.