Summer has finally arrived!
This summer season offers tons of fun. But before you go to the beach, the concert, or the backyard barbecue, don’t forget to take care of your hearing.
When you’re out appreciating summer, do keep in mind that your hearing can be damaged 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 appropriate steps to protect your hearing.
One of the most important steps is utilizing earplugs, particularly under certain conditions.
Swimming
Bacteria and parasites love water and can even live in relatively clean pools potentially resulting in swimmer’s ear. Earplugs will help keep your ears dry and prevent infection.
Contaminated water getting inside of your ears, while usually not a serious issue, can have some adverse consequences. It can cause inflammation, pain, and even short-term hearing loss.
Left untreated, infections can cause damage to the eardrum and the fragile inner workings of the ear.
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 a level of protection by using a pair of swimmers earplugs.
Live performances and concerts
Attending a concert is always a good time, especially during the summer. Because the performers are attempting to reach such a big audience, however, volume levels are often really high.
You could be exposed to more than 120dB of volume depending on where you’re standing. These volume levels can instantly trigger hearing loss that can be permanent.
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 identifies the strength of the protection. 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 to the speaker you are, the higher NRR you’ll need to protect your ears and prevent permanent 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. Wear earplugs and stand well away from the speakers for best protection.
This doesn’t only 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 routinely edge the flowerbeds and weed the steps to keep your yard from looking messy. 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 harm your hearing. The noise from this equipment can be reduced and your ears can be protected by wearing earplugs.
If you’re mowing the lawn without earplugs, you’re slowly damaging your hearing and it will become more apparent 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 there’s a dark side to fireworks. They can create up to 175dB of noise. That’s as loud as a pistol being fired right beside your head!
You’ll definitely want earplugs if you’re attending a big fireworks show. If you’re close to the action, the highest NRR rating is advisable. You’ll still hear the fireworks and they will still be loud, but you’ll be safeguarding your ears from future hearing loss.
Safeguarding your ears is important
Don’t wait until your hearing loss is profound to seek help. Most individuals probably won’t even recognize that their hearing is slowly going until it’s too late, and unfortunately, it’s irreversible. Call us right away so we can help you identify any risks you may have.