Summer has finally arrived!
That means it’s time to go out and partake in all of the exciting activities that the season has to provide. But before you go to the beach, the concert, or the backyard barbecue, remember to protect your hearing.
Loud noises can harm your hearing, even if you don’t think they’re very loud. During the summer you’re a lot more likely to be exposed to loud sounds, so it’s very important to take the right steps to protect your hearing.
One of the most important steps is utilizing earplugs, particularly under certain conditions.
Going for a swim
Even in clean pools, there can be parasites and bacteria that can lead to swimmer’s ear. You can prevent infections by keeping water out of your ears and earplugs can help you do this.
Polluted water getting into your ears, while normally not a serious problem, can have some unwanted repercussions. It can lead to swelling, pain, and even temporary hearing loss.
Left unaddressed, infections can cause damage to the eardrum and the delicate inner workings of the ear.
If you are going into a hot tub or pool it won’t be possible to steer clear of all germs and pathogens, but your ears can get a level of protection by using a pair of swimmers earplugs.
Live performances and concerts
Summertime is the best time for an evening of live music. Because the performers are trying to reach such a big audience, however, noise levels are usually off the charts.
Depending on where you’re standing at the venue, you could be exposed to as many as 120 decibels (dB). These volume levels can immediately 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 establishes the strength of the protection. An NRR of 20 will lower the sound by 20 dB. So if you’re attending a concert with 120dB of sound, it will be reduced to 100dB.
However, that’s still a potentially harmful level.
Safeguarding your hearing will mean utilizing a higher NRR the closer to the speakers you will be standing. Even if you get the highest level of hearing protection, you will still be subjected to sounds loud enough to trigger irreversible hearing damage within 15 minutes. For the highest level of protection, stand a distance from the speakers and use earplugs.
The same applies to 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 like a mess. Then you keep the long grass in check with a weed-whacker.
Power tools and other yard equipment can be very loud, and sustained exposure can and will harm your hearing. Earplugs will help lessen the noise from these tools and protect your hearing.
If you’re mowing the lawn without earplugs, you’re gradually damaging your hearing and it will become more obvious over time.
Independence Day
It wouldn’t be Independence Day without them. When July comes around, it’s time to celebrate the birth of our nation. But there’s a dark side to fireworks. They can produce up to 175dB of noise. That’s as loud as a gun being fired right next to your head!
You’ll definitely want earplugs if you’re attending a large fireworks show. If you’re near to the action, the highest NRR rating is suggested. You’ll still hear the fireworks and they will still be loud, but you’ll be protecting your hearing from future hearing loss.
Safeguarding your hearing is important
Seek help before your hearing loss becomes extreme. Most individuals probably won’t even recognize that their hearing is gradually going until it’s too late, and regrettably, there’s no cure. Give us a call right away so we can help you determine any risks you might have.