Summer has finally arrived!
This summer season has a lot of fun. But before you hit the beach, the concert, or the backyard barbecue, don’t forget to protect your hearing.
When you’re out appreciating summer, remember that your hearing can be harmed by loud noises. During the summer you’re much more likely to be exposed to loud sounds, so it’s very important to take the right steps to protect your hearing.
Here are some activities that are best enjoyed with earplugs.
Going for a swim
Bacteria and parasites love water and can even live in fairly clean pools potentially leading to swimmer’s ear. Earplugs will help keep your ears dry and stop infection.
Contaminated water getting inside of your ears, while usually not a serious problem, can have some negative consequences. It can cause swelling, 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 steer clear of all germs and pathogens, but your ears can get some protection by using a pair of swimmers earplugs.
Live performances and concerts
Summer is the best time for an evening of live music. Because the entertainers 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 could be exposed to as much as 120dB of sound. That’s enough to trigger instant and permanent hearing loss.
Earplugs will block some of that sound but won’t distort it. Earplugs have an NRR rating with a range of 20 to 33, which determines the strength of the protection. An NRR of 20 will reduce the sound by 20 dB. So a 120-dB concert will be lowered to around 100 dB.
However, that’s still a potentially damaging level.
The closer you are to a speaker, the higher NRR you’ll require to protect your ears and prevent irreversible hearing damage. Within 15 minutes, you can develop irreversible hearing damage even if you make use of the highest level of protection. Use earplugs and stand well away from the speakers for best protection.
This doesn’t only apply to concerts, it’s also true for things like festivals, movies, plays, sporting events, and any other event where sound will be amplified through speakers.
property maintenance
You do it each week, but the grass continues to grow. You take measures like edging flower beds and weeding the gardens so your yard looks nice. Then you keep the long grass in check with a weed-whacker.
Power tools and other yard equipment can be very loud, and prolonged exposure can and will harm your hearing. Earplugs will help reduce the noise from these tools and safeguard 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. On the 4th of July, we will all be celebrating our nation’s independence. But fireworks have a dark side. They can produce up to 175dB of noise. If you fired a gun right next to your head it would be around this volume.
You’ll absolutely 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 protect your ears from damage and the fireworks will still be loud enough.
Protecting your ears is important
Seek help before your hearing loss becomes profound. Hearing loss caused by loud noise can’t be corrected and since it happens so gradually, most people don’t realize they’re harming their hearing. Call us right away so we can help you determine any risks you may have.