Summer is here!
This summer season offers tons of fun. But keep the health of your hearing in mind before you head out for a day on the beach, a rocking concert, or maybe a great backyard barbecue.
Loud noises can harm your hearing, even if you don’t feel like they’re that loud. During the summer you’re much more likely to be exposed to loud sounds, so it’s very important to take the appropriate steps to protect your hearing.
One of the most important steps is utilizing earplugs, particularly under certain conditions.
Going for a swim
Bacteria and parasites love water and can even live in relatively clean pools potentially leading to swimmer’s ear. Earplugs will help keep water out of your ears and prevent infection.
Polluted water getting into your ears, while normally not a serious problem, can have some unwanted consequences. It can lead to swelling, pain, and even temporary hearing loss.
Left untreated, infections can lead to damage to the eardrum and the fragile inner workings of the ear.
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 some protection by using a set of swimmers earplugs.
Live performances and concerts
Summertime is the ideal time for an evening of live music. Because the entertainers are attempting to reach such a large audience, however, noise levels are usually really high.
You might be exposed to more than 120dB of sound depending on the spot that you’re standing. These volume levels can immediately trigger hearing loss that can be permanent.
Earplugs are designed to decrease sound, not distort it. The degree of sound that can be blocked 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 require to safeguard your ears and prevent irreversible hearing damage. Even if you get 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 use earplugs.
The same applies to indoor concerts, sporting events, plays, movies, cook-outs, festivals, or other events where sounds are being amplified through speakers.
property maintenance
The grass will keep growing so mowing will be required pretty much weekly. You routinely edge the flowerbeds and weed the steps to keep your yard from looking messy. Then you utilize a weed-whacker to clean up around the trees.
Power equipment and other yard equipment can be really loud, and sustained exposure can and will damage your hearing. Earplugs will help lessen the noise from these tools and protect your hearing.
If you’re mowing the lawn without earplugs, you’re slowly damaging your hearing and it will become more apparent over time.
Independence Day
They’re a key aspect of Independence Day. When July arrives, it’s time to celebrate the birth of our country. But there’s a negative side to fireworks. They can generate up to 175dB of noise. That’s the volume of a gun being discharged right beside your head!
You’ll absolutely 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 still be able to hear the fireworks and they will still be loud, but you’ll be protecting your ears from future hearing loss.
Protecting your hearing is important
Don’t wait until your hearing loss is severe to get help. Most individuals probably won’t even realize that their hearing is gradually going until it’s too late, and unfortunately, there’s no cure. Give us a call right away so we can help you identify any risks you may have.