Finally, it’s summertime!!
That means it’s time to get out and partake in all of the exciting experiences that the season has to provide. But don’t forget about your hearing’s health before you go out for a day on the beach, a rocking concert, or perhaps a great backyard get-together.
Loud noises can damage your hearing, even if you don’t think they’re very loud. So it’s essential to take measures to safeguard your ears, particularly during the summer months when you’re more likely to be exposed to loud noises.
One of the most important steps is using earplugs, especially 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 water out of your ears and stop infection.
Contaminated water getting inside of your ears, while normally not a serious problem, can have some adverse repercussions. Temporary hearing loss, pain, and swelling can be the result.
The eardrum and also the fragile inner workings of the ear can be damaged by neglected infections.
If you are going into a hot tub or pool it won’t be possible to avoid all germs and pathogens, but your ears can get some protection by using a pair of swimmers earplugs.
Live performances and concerts
Going to a concert is always fun, especially during the summer. But live concerts are usually really loud.
Depending on the spot that you’re standing at the venue, you may be exposed to as many as 120 decibels (dB). These volume levels can immediately trigger hearing loss that can be permanent.
Earplugs will stop some of that sound but won’t distort it. The amount of sound that can be blocked by earplugs will be identified by an NRR rating of between 20 and 33. 20dB of sound will be blocked by earplugs with a 20 NRR rating. So a 120-dB concert will be reduced to around 100 dB.
However, that’s still a potentially damaging level.
Safeguarding your hearing will mean utilizing a higher NRR the closer to the speakers you will be standing. Even if you acquire the highest level of hearing protection, you will still be exposed to sounds loud enough to trigger irreversible hearing damage within 15 minutes. For the best protection, stand a distance from the speakers and wear earplugs.
This doesn’t just apply to concerts, it’s also relevant for things like festivals, movies, plays, sporting events, and any other event where sound will be amplified through speakers.
property maintenance
The grass will keep growing so mowing will be necessary pretty much weekly. You take steps like edging flower beds and weeding the gardens so your yard looks great. Then you keep the long grass in check with a weed-whacker.
Power tools and other yard tools can be very loud, and sustained exposure can and will harm your hearing. Earplugs will help reduce the noise from these tools and safeguard your hearing.
If you’re not using earplugs when you run the mower, over time, you will be observably doing hearing loss.
Independence Day
It wouldn’t be Independence Day without them. On the 4th of July, we will all be celebrating our country’s independence. But fireworks have a dark side. The noise they create can be in excess of 175 dB. That’s the volume of a pistol being discharged right beside your head!
You’ll definitely want earplugs if you’re going to a large fireworks show. If you’re near to the action, the highest NRR rating is recommended. You’ll still be able to hear the fireworks and they’ll still be loud, but you’ll be protecting your hearing from future hearing loss.
Protecting your hearing is important
Get help before your hearing loss becomes severe. Hearing loss related to loud noise can’t be corrected and since it occurs so gradually, most people don’t realize they’re harming their hearing. Give us a call right away so we can help you determine any risks you may have.