Finally, it’s summertime!!
That means it’s time to go out and partake in all of the fun activities that the season has to provide. But keep the health of your hearing in mind before you head out for a day on the beach, a rocking concert, or perhaps an enjoyable backyard get-together.
Loud noises can harm your hearing, even if you don’t feel like 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 appropriate steps to safeguard your hearing.
One of the most significant steps is using earplugs, especially under certain conditions.
Swimming
Even in clean pools, there can be parasites and bacteria that can cause 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 adverse consequences. It can result in swelling, pain, and even short-term hearing loss.
The eardrum and also the fragile inner workings of the ear can be damaged by neglected infections.
If you’re 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 wearing a pair of swimmers earplugs.
Concerts and live performances
Attending a concert is always fun, particularly during the summer. Because the entertainers are attempting to reach such a large audience, however, noise levels are often really high.
Depending on the spot that you’re standing at the venue, you could be exposed to as much as 120dB of sound. These volume levels can instantly cause hearing loss that can be permanent.
Earplugs are fashioned to reduce sound, not distort it. The amount of sound that can be blocked by earplugs will be determined by an NRR rating of between 20 and 33. 20dB of sound will be blocked by earplugs with a 20 NRR rating. So if you’re at a concert with 120dB of sound, it will be lowered to 100dB.
But that degree of sound can still potentially damage your hearing.
The closer to the speaker you are, the higher NRR you’ll require to protect 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 best protection, stand far away from the speakers and use earplugs.
The same applies to indoor concerts, sporting events, plays, movies, barbecues, festivals, or other events where sounds are being boosted through speakers.
Yard work
The grass will continue o grow so mowing will be necessary pretty much weekly. You regularly edge the flowerbeds and weed the steps to keep your yard from looking like a mess. Then you keep the long grass under control with a weed-whacker.
Your hearing will definitely be damaged by the volume level of yard equipment. Earplugs will help reduce the noise from these tools and safeguard your hearing.
If you aren’t wearing earplugs when you operate the mower, over time, you will be noticeably doing hearing loss.
Independence Day
It wouldn’t be Independence Day without them. When July comes around, it’s time to celebrate the independence of our nation. But there’s a negative side to fireworks. The noise they create can exceed 175 dB. If you shot a gun right next to your head it would be about this volume.
You’ll definitely want earplugs if you’re going to a big fireworks show. You should acquire the highest NRR rated earplugs, especially if you’re close. You’ll safeguard your hearing from damage and the fireworks will still sound loud enough.
Safeguarding your ears is important
Seek help before your hearing loss becomes severe. Most individuals probably won’t even realize that their hearing is gradually going until it’s too late, and unfortunately, there’s no cure. Call us right away so we can help you determine any risks you may have.