Finally, it’s summer!!
That means it’s time to go out and partake in all of the fun experiences that the season has to offer. But don’t forget about your hearing’s health 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 harmed by loud noises. During the summer you’re a lot 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 using earplugs, particularly under certain conditions.
Swimming
Bacteria and parasites love water and can even live in fairly clean pools potentially resulting in 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 unwanted consequences. It can result in inflammation, pain, and even temporary hearing loss.
Left unaddressed, infections can lead to damage to the eardrum and the fragile inner workings of the ear.
It’s not possible to totally avoid all pathogens in hot tubs or pools, but using swimming earplugs will help safeguard your ears.
Concerts and live performances
Attending a concert is always fun, particularly in the summer months. Because the performers are attempting to reach such a big audience, however, volume levels are usually off the charts.
Depending on where you’re standing at the venue, you might be exposed to as many as 120 decibels (dB). These volume levels can instantly trigger hearing loss that can be permanent.
Earplugs will stop some of that sound but won’t distort it. The level of sound that can be blocked by earplugs will be established by an NRR rating of between 20 and 33. An NRR of 20 will lower the sound by 20 dB. So a 120-dB concert will be reduced to around 100 dB.
But that amount of sound can still potentially harm your hearing.
The closer to the speaker you are, the higher NRR you’ll need to protect your ears and prevent irreversible hearing damage. Even if you acquire the highest level of hearing protection, you will still be exposed to sounds loud enough to trigger permanent hearing damage within 15 minutes. Use earplugs and stand well away from the speakers for best protection.
The same applies to indoor concerts, sporting events, plays, movies, barbecues, celebrations, or other events where sounds are being amplified through speakers.
Yard work
You do it every week, but the grass continues to grow. You routinely 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 definitely be compromised by the volume level of yard equipment. Earplugs will help lessen the noise from these tools and safeguard your hearing.
If you aren’t wearing earplugs when you use the mower, over time, you will be noticeably causing hearing loss.
Independence Day
It wouldn’t be Independence Day without them. When July comes around, it’s time to celebrate the birth of our nation. But fireworks have a dark side. The noise they make can exceed 175 dB. If you shot a gun right near your head it would be about this volume.
You’ll definitely want earplugs if you’re attending a large fireworks show. You should acquire the highest NRR rated earplugs, particularly if you’re close. You’ll protect your hearing from damage and the fireworks will still sound loud enough.
Protecting your hearing is important
Get help before your hearing loss becomes extreme. Hearing loss caused by loud noise can’t be corrected and since it happens so gradually, most people don’t realize they’re damaging their hearing. Give us a call right away so we can help you determine any risks you might have.
