Finally, it’s summertime!!
That means it’s time to go out and partake in all of the fun experiences that the season has to offer. But before you go to the beach, the concert, or the backyard cookout, remember to take care of your hearing.
When you’re out appreciating summer, don’t forget that your hearing can be harmed by loud noises. In 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 safeguard your hearing.
Here are several activities that are best experienced with earplugs.
Going for a swim
Bacteria and parasites love water and can even live in relatively clean pools potentially resulting in swimmer’s ear. You can stop infections by keeping water out of your ears and earplugs can help you do this.
Polluted water getting inside of your ears, while normally not a serious problem, can have some unwanted repercussions. Short-term hearing loss, pain, and swelling can be the consequence.
The eardrum and also the delicate inner workings of the ear can be damaged by neglected infections.
If you’re going into a hot tub or pool it will be impossible to steer clear of all germs and pathogens, but your ears can get some protection by using a set of swimmers earplugs.
Live performances and concerts
Going to a concert is always a good time, particularly during the summer. But live concerts are usually very loud.
You may be exposed to over 120dB of volume depending on the spot that you’re standing. That’s enough to cause immediate and permanent 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 identifies the strength of the protection. 20dB of sound will be stopped by earplugs with a 20 NRR rating. So if you’re attending a concert with 120dB of sound, it will be lowered to 100dB.
However, that’s still a potentially harmful level.
Safeguarding your hearing will mean using a higher NRR the closer to the speakers you will be standing. Within 15 minutes, you can develop irreversible hearing damage even if you use the highest level of protection. Use earplugs and stand well away from the speakers for best protection.
The same goes for indoor concerts, sporting events, plays, movies, cook-outs, celebrations, or other events where sounds are being amplified through speakers.
Yard work
The grass is going to continue o grow so mowing will be necessary pretty much every week. You take steps like edging flower beds and weeding the gardens so your yard looks great. Then you use a weed-whacker to clean up around the trees.
Power equipment and other yard equipment can be very loud, and sustained exposure can and will harm your hearing. Earplugs will help decrease the noise from these tools and safeguard your hearing.
If you aren’t wearing earplugs when you use the mower, over time, you will be observably doing hearing loss.
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 fireworks have a negative side. The noise they create can exceed 175 dB. If you fired a gun right next to your head it would be about this volume.
You’ll definitely want earplugs if you’re going to a large fireworks show. If you’re close to the action, the highest NRR rating is recommended. You’ll still hear the fireworks and they’ll still be loud, but you’ll be safeguarding your ears from future hearing loss.
Protecting your hearing is important
Get help before your hearing loss becomes severe. Most individuals probably won’t even realize 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.