Finally, it’s summer!!
This summer season has a lot of fun. But keep the health of your hearing in mind before you go out for a day on the beach, a rocking concert, or perhaps an enjoyable backyard barbecue.
When you’re out appreciating summer, don’t forget that your hearing can be damaged by loud noises. So it’s essential to take steps to protect your ears, particularly during the summer months when you’re more likely to experience loud noises.
One of the most significant steps is using earplugs, especially under certain conditions.
Swimming
Even in clean pools, there can be bacteria and parasites that can cause swimmer’s ear. You can stop infections by keeping water out of your ears and earplugs can help you do this.
Contaminated water getting inside of your ears, while normally not a serious issue, can have some negative repercussions. It can result in inflammation, pain, and even temporary hearing loss.
The eardrum and also the delicate 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 using a pair of swimmers earplugs.
Concerts and live performances
Going to a concert is always a good time, particularly during the summer. Because the entertainers are trying to reach such a big audience, however, noise levels are often really high.
You might be exposed to more than 120dB of volume depending on the spot that you’re standing. That’s enough to cause instant and lasting hearing loss.
Earplugs will stop some of that sound but won’t distort it. Earplugs have an NRR rating with a range of 20 to 33, which determines the strength of the protection. An NRR of 20 will lower the sound by 20 dB. So if you’re at a concert with 120dB of sound, it will be lowered to 100dB.
But that degree of sound can still potentially harm your hearing.
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 cause irreversible hearing damage within 15 minutes. For the highest level of protection, stand far away 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.
Yard work
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 nice. Then you utilize a weed-whacker to clean up around the trees.
Power equipment and other yard equipment can be very loud, and prolonged exposure can and will harm your hearing. Earplugs will help decrease the noise from these tools and safeguard your hearing.
If you’re not wearing earplugs when you use the mower, over time, you will be observably causing hearing loss.
Independence Day
They’re an essential 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. That’s as loud as a pistol being fired right next to your head!
If you’re attending a display in which the fireworks are booming and recurring, you’ll certainly need earplugs. You should acquire the highest NRR rated earplugs, particularly if you’re close. You’ll protect your ears from damage and the fireworks will still sound loud enough.
It’s important to protect your ears
Get help before your hearing loss becomes profound. Most people most likely won’t even realize that their hearing is gradually going until it’s too late, and regrettably, it’s irreversible. Give us a call right away so we can help you determine any risks you may have.