Summer has finally arrived!
This summer season has tons of fun. But keep the health of your hearing in mind before you head out for a day on the beach, a rocking concert, or maybe an enjoyable backyard barbecue.
When you’re out enjoying summer, do keep in mind that your hearing can be harmed by loud noises. So it’s essential to take steps to protect 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, especially under certain conditions.
Swimming
Even in clean pools, there can be bacteria and parasites that can cause swimmer’s ear. You can prevent infections by keeping water out of your ears and earplugs can help you do this.
Polluted water getting into your ears, while usually not a serious problem, can have some adverse consequences. It can lead to swelling, pain, and even temporary hearing loss.
The eardrum and also the fragile inner workings of the ear can be damaged by neglected infections.
If you’re going into a hot tub or pool it won’t be possible to avoid all germs and pathogens, but your ears can get a level of protection by wearing a pair of swimmers earplugs.
Live performances and concerts
Going to a concert is always fun, especially during the summer. Because the entertainers are attempting to reach such a big audience, however, volume levels are often really high.
You could be exposed to more than 120dB of sound depending on where you’re standing. That’s enough to lead to instant and lasting hearing loss.
Earplugs are fashioned to decrease sound, not distort it. The amount of sound that can be stopped by earplugs will be determined by an NRR rating of between 20 and 33. 20dB of sound will be blocked by earplugs with a 20 NRR rating. So if you’re at a concert with 120dB of sound, it will be lowered to 100dB.
However, that’s still a potentially damaging level.
The closer you are to a speaker, the higher NRR you’ll need to safeguard your ears and prevent permanent hearing damage. Within 15 minutes, you can develop irreversible hearing damage even if you use the highest level of protection. Use 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
You do it each 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 in check with a weed-whacker.
Your hearing will definitely be damaged by the loud volume of yard equipment. The noise from this equipment can be decreased and your ears can be protected by wearing earplugs.
If you aren’t using earplugs when you run the mower, over time, you will be noticeably causing hearing loss.
Independence Day
They’re a key aspect of Independence Day. On the 4th of July, we will all be celebrating our country’s independence. But there’s a dark side to fireworks. They can create 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 attending a large fireworks show. You should get the highest NRR rated earplugs, particularly if you’re close. You’ll safeguard your ears from damage and the fireworks will still be loud enough.
It’s important to safeguard your hearing
Get help before your hearing loss becomes profound. Hearing loss related to loud noise can’t be reversed and since it happens so slowly, most people don’t realize they’re harming their hearing. Contact us right away so we can help you identify any risks you may have.
