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 offer. But before you hit the beach, the concert, or the backyard barbecue, remember to protect your hearing.
When you’re out appreciating summer, do keep in mind that your hearing can be damaged by loud noises. So it’s important to take measures to protect your ears, especially during the summer months when you’re more likely to be exposed to loud noises.
Here are a few activities that are best enjoyed with earplugs.
Swimming
Even in clean pools, there can be bacteria and parasites that can trigger swimmer’s ear. Earplugs will help keep your ears dry and prevent infection.
While pool-borne illness isn’t usually serious, contaminated water getting into your ear canal can have harmful effects. It can cause swelling, 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’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 pair of swimmers earplugs.
Live performances and concerts
Summertime is the perfect time for an evening of live music. Because the entertainers are attempting to reach such a large audience, however, volume levels are usually really high.
You might be exposed to more than 120dB of volume depending on where you’re standing. These volume levels can immediately trigger hearing loss that can be permanent.
Earplugs will block some of that sound but won’t distort it. The level of sound that can be stopped by earplugs will be identified by an NRR rating of between 20 and 33. 20dB of sound will be stopped 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 need to safeguard your ears and prevent permanent hearing damage. Within 15 minutes, you can develop permanent hearing damage even if you use the highest level of protection. For the best protection, stand far away from the speakers and use earplugs.
This doesn’t just apply to concerts, it’s also true for things like festivals, movies, plays, sporting events, and any other event where sound will be amplified through speakers.
Yard work
You do it each week, but the grass keeps growing. You routinely edge the flowerbeds and weed the steps to keep your yard from looking like a mess. Then you use a weed-whacker to clean up around the trees.
Power tools and other yard tools can be very loud, and sustained exposure can and will damage your hearing. Earplugs will help lessen the noise from these tools and safeguard your hearing.
If you aren’t using earplugs when you use the mower, over time, you will be noticeably causing hearing loss.
Independence Day
It wouldn’t be Independence Day without them. When July comes around, it’s time to celebrate the birth of our country. But fireworks have a dark side. The noise they make can exceed 175 dB. That’s as loud as a pistol being discharged right next to your head!
You’ll definitely want earplugs if you’re attending a big fireworks show. If you’re near to the action, the highest NRR rating is recommended. You’ll still be able to hear the fireworks and they will still be loud, but you’ll be protecting your ears from future hearing loss.
It’s important to safeguard your hearing
Get help before your hearing loss becomes severe. Most individuals probably won’t even recognize that their hearing is slowly going until it’s too late, and regrettably, it’s irreversible. Contact us right away so we can help you determine any risks you may have.
