Summer is here!
This summer season offers a lot of fun. But before you hit the beach, the concert, or the backyard cookout, don’t forget to take care of your hearing.
Loud noises can damage your hearing, even if you don’t feel like they’re very loud. In the summer you’re much more likely to be exposed to loud sounds, so it’s really important to take the right steps to safeguard your hearing.
Here are several activities that are best enjoyed with earplugs.
Going for a swim
Bacteria and parasites love water and can even live in fairly clean pools potentially resulting in swimmer’s ear. Earplugs will help keep your ears dry and stop infection.
Polluted water getting inside of your ears, while usually not a serious issue, can have some adverse consequences. It can lead to inflammation, pain, and even short-term hearing loss.
Left unaddressed, infections can result in damage to the eardrum and the delicate inner workings of the ear.
If you are going into a hot tub or pool it will be impossible to steer clear of 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 performers are attempting to reach such a big audience, however, noise levels are often off the charts.
Depending on the spot that you’re standing at the venue, you could be exposed to as many as 120 decibels (dB). These volume levels can instantly cause hearing loss that can be permanent.
Earplugs will block 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 blocked by earplugs with a 20 NRR rating. So a 120-dB concert will be lowered to around 100 dB.
However, that’s still a potentially damaging level.
The closer you are to a speaker, the higher NRR you’ll require to safeguard your ears and prevent permanent hearing damage. Within 15 minutes, you can develop permanent hearing damage even if you make use of the highest level of protection. Wear earplugs and stand well away from the speakers for optimum protection.
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 boosted through speakers.
Yard work
You do it each week, but the grass keeps growing. You regularly edge the flowerbeds and weed the steps to keep your yard from looking like a mess. Then you utilize a weed-whacker to clean up around the trees.
Power tools and other yard equipment can be really loud, and prolonged exposure can and will damage your hearing. Earplugs will help decrease the noise from these tools and protect your hearing.
If you’re mowing the lawn without earplugs, you’re gradually damaging your ears and it will become more evident over time.
Independence Day
They’re a key part of Independence Day. When July comes around, it’s time to celebrate the independence of our country. But there’s a negative side to fireworks. The noise they produce can be in excess of 175 dB. That’s as loud as a gun being discharged right beside your head!
You’ll definitely want earplugs if you’re attending a large fireworks show. You should acquire the highest NRR rated earplugs, especially if you’re close. You’ll still be able to hear the fireworks and they’ll still be loud, but you’ll be protecting your ears from future hearing loss.
Protecting your ears is important
Don’t wait until your hearing loss is profound to seek help. Hearing loss caused by loud noise can’t be corrected and since it takes place so slowly, most people don’t realize they’re damaging their hearing. Give us a call right away so we can help you determine any risks you may have.