Summer has finally arrived!
That means it’s time to go out and partake in all of the exciting experiences that the season has to offer. But before you go to the beach, the concert, or the backyard cookout, don’t forget to protect your hearing.
Loud noises can damage your hearing, even if you don’t think they’re very loud. In the summer you’re much 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.
Swimming
Bacteria and parasites love water and can even live in fairly clean pools potentially leading to swimmer’s ear. Earplugs will help keep your ears dry and prevent infection.
Polluted water getting inside of your ears, while usually not a serious problem, can have some adverse repercussions. It can result in swelling, pain, and even short-term hearing loss.
Left unaddressed, infections can lead to damage to the eardrum and the delicate inner workings of the ear.
It’s not possible to completely avoid all pathogens in pools or hot tubs, but wearing swimming earplugs will help protect your ears.
Concerts and live performances
Going to a concert is always fun, particularly during the summer. Because the performers 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 may be exposed to as many as 120 decibels (dB). These volume levels can immediately trigger hearing loss that can be permanent.
Earplugs are fashioned to decrease sound, not 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.
But that amount of sound can still potentially damage your hearing.
The closer you are to a speaker, the higher NRR you’ll need to safeguard your ears and prevent permanent hearing damage. Even if you acquire the highest level of hearing protection, you will still be exposed to sounds loud enough to trigger permanent hearing damage within 15 minutes. For the highest level of protection, stand far away from the speakers and wear earplugs.
This doesn’t only apply to concerts, it’s also relevant for things like festivals, movies, plays, sporting events, and any other event where sound will be amplified through speakers.
Yard work
The grass will continue o grow so mowing will be required pretty much weekly. You take steps like 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 loud volume of yard equipment. Earplugs will help reduce the noise from these tools and protect your hearing.
If you aren’t wearing earplugs when you run the mower, over time, you will be observably causing 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 be in excess of 175 dB. That’s as loud as a gun being discharged right next to your head!
You’ll definitely want earplugs if you’re attending a large fireworks show. You should get the highest NRR rated earplugs, particularly if you’re close. You’ll still be able to hear the fireworks and they’ll still be loud, but you’ll be safeguarding your ears from future hearing loss.
Protecting your ears is important
Don’t wait until your hearing loss is significant to seek help. Most individuals probably won’t even recognize that their hearing is slowly going until it’s too late, and unfortunately, it’s irreversible. Contact us right away so we can help you determine any risks you may have.
