Finally, it’s summer!!
That means it’s time to get out and enjoy all the fun activities that the season has to provide. But before you go to the beach, the concert, or the backyard barbecue, remember to take care of your hearing.
Loud noises can damage your hearing, even if you don’t think they’re that loud. 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 safeguard your hearing.
One of the most significant steps is utilizing earplugs, especially under certain conditions.
Going for a swim
Even in clean pools, there can be bacteria and parasites that can result in swimmer’s ear. Earplugs will help keep your ears dry and stop infection.
While pool-borne infection isn’t usually serious, polluted water getting inside of your ear canal can have unhealthy effects. It can lead to inflammation, pain, and even temporary hearing loss.
The eardrum and also the fragile inner workings of the ear can be damaged by untreated infections.
If you are going into a hot tub or pool it will be impossible to avoid all germs and pathogens, but your ears can get a level of protection by wearing a pair of swimmers earplugs.
Concerts and live performances
Going to a concert is always a good time, particularly during the summer. Because the performers are attempting to reach such a large audience, however, volume levels are usually off the charts.
Depending on the spot that you’re standing at the venue, you might be exposed to as much as 120dB of sound. That’s enough to lead to instant and lasting hearing loss.
Earplugs will stop some of that sound but won’t distort it. The degree 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 stopped by earplugs with a 20 NRR rating. So if you’re at a concert with 120dB of sound, it will be reduced to 100dB.
However, that’s still a potentially harmful level.
The closer you are to a speaker, the higher NRR you’ll need to protect your ears and prevent permanent hearing damage. Even if you get the highest level of hearing protection, you will still be subjected to sounds loud enough to trigger permanent hearing damage within 15 minutes. For the highest level of protection, stand far away from the speakers and use earplugs.
The same goes for indoor concerts, sporting events, plays, movies, barbecues, celebrations, or other events where sounds are being boosted 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 messy. Then you keep the long grass in check with a weed-whacker.
Your hearing will certainly be damaged by the volume level of yard equipment. The noise from this equipment can be decreased and your ears can be safeguarded by wearing earplugs.
If you’re not wearing earplugs when you use the mower, over time, you will be noticeably causing hearing loss.
Independence Day
They’re an essential aspect of Independence Day. On the 4th of July, we will all be celebrating our nation’s independence. But fireworks have a dark side. The noise they make can exceed 175 dB. That’s the volume of a pistol being fired right beside your head!
You’ll absolutely 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 sound loud enough.
It’s important to protect your ears
Don’t wait until your hearing loss is extreme to get help. Most people probably won’t even recognize that their hearing is gradually going until it’s too late, and regrettably, it’s irreversible. Have your hearing checked regularly by us to determine your risk level.