Summer is here!
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 hit the beach, the concert, or the backyard barbecue, don’t forget to protect your hearing.
When you’re out enjoying summer, remember 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 enjoyed with earplugs.
Going for a swim
Even in clean pools, there can be bacteria and parasites that can trigger swimmer’s ear. You can stop infections by keeping water out of your ears and earplugs can help you do this.
Polluted water getting into your ears, while usually not a serious issue, can have some adverse repercussions. Temporary hearing loss, pain, and inflammation 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 avoid all germs and pathogens, but your ears can get some protection by wearing a set of swimmers earplugs.
Live performances and concerts
Going to a concert is always a good time, especially in the summer months. Because the entertainers are trying to reach such a big audience, however, noise levels are usually off the charts.
You may be exposed to over 120dB of sound depending on where you’re standing. These volume levels can immediately cause hearing loss that can be permanent.
Earplugs are designed to decrease sound, not distort it. Earplugs have an NRR rating with a range of 20 to 33, which determines the strength of the protection. 20dB of sound will be stopped by earplugs with a 20 NRR rating. So a 120-dB concert will be reduced to around 100 dB.
However, that’s still a potentially damaging level.
The closer to the speaker you are, the higher NRR you’ll require to safeguard your ears and prevent permanent hearing damage. Within 15 minutes, you can experience permanent hearing damage even if you use the highest level of protection. For the highest level of protection, stand far away from the speakers and wear earplugs.
The same applies to indoor concerts, sporting events, plays, movies, cook-outs, celebrations, or other events where sounds are being amplified through speakers.
Yard work
You do it every week, but the grass continues to grow. You take steps such as edging flower beds and weeding the gardens so your yard looks nice. Then you utilize a weed-whacker to touch up around the trees.
Your hearing will definitely be compromised by the volume level of yard equipment. The noise from this equipment can be reduced and your ears can be protected by using earplugs.
If you’re mowing without earplugs, you’re gradually damaging your ears and it will become more evident over time.
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. They can produce up to 175dB of noise. If you fired a gun right next to your head it would be around this volume.
If you’re going to a display in which the fireworks are booming and recurring, you’ll certainly need earplugs. If you’re close to the action, the highest NRR rating is suggested. You’ll safeguard your hearing from damage and the fireworks will still be loud enough.
It’s important to safeguard your hearing
Don’t wait until your hearing loss is profound to seek help. Most people probably won’t even recognize that their hearing is gradually going until it’s too late, and regrettably, there’s no cure. Contact us right away so we can help you identify any risks you may have.
