Finally, it’s summer!!
That means it’s time to get 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 cookout, remember to take care of your hearing.
Loud noises can damage your hearing, even if you don’t feel like they’re that loud. During the summer you’re a lot more likely to be exposed to loud sounds, so it’s really important to take the appropriate steps to protect your hearing.
One of the most important steps is using earplugs, especially under certain conditions.
Going for a swim
Parasites and bacteria love water and can even live in relatively clean pools potentially leading to swimmer’s ear. You can prevent infections by keeping water out of your ears and earplugs can help you do this.
Polluted water getting inside of your ears, while usually not a serious problem, can have some negative consequences. It can cause inflammation, pain, and even temporary hearing loss.
Left unaddressed, infections can result in damage to the eardrum and the delicate inner workings of the ear.
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.
Concerts and live performances
Attending a concert is always fun, especially in the summer months. Because the entertainers are attempting to reach such a large audience, however, volume levels are often off the charts.
Depending on the spot that you’re standing at the venue, you may be exposed to as much as 120dB of sound. That’s enough to trigger immediate and permanent hearing loss.
Earplugs are designed to decrease sound, not distort it. The amount 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 if you’re attending a concert with 120dB of sound, it will be reduced to 100dB.
But that degree 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 irreversible hearing damage. Even if you acquire the highest level of hearing protection, you will still be exposed to sounds loud enough to cause permanent hearing damage within 15 minutes. Wear earplugs and stand at a distance from the speakers for optimum protection.
The same goes for indoor concerts, sporting events, plays, movies, barbecues, celebrations, or other events where sounds are being boosted through speakers.
property maintenance
The grass will continue o grow so mowing will be necessary pretty much every week. You routinely edge the flowerbeds and weed the steps to keep your yard from looking messy. Then you use a weed-whacker to clean up around the trees.
Power tools and other yard equipment can be very loud, and sustained exposure can and will damage your hearing. The noise from this equipment can be reduced and your ears can be safeguarded by wearing earplugs.
If you’re not using earplugs when you use the mower, over time, you will be observably causing hearing loss.
Independence Day
They’re a key aspect of Independence Day. When July comes around, it’s time to celebrate the birth of our nation. But fireworks have a dark side. The noise they create can be in excess of 175 dB. That’s the volume of a pistol being discharged right next to your head!
If you’re attending a show where the fireworks are booming and recurring, you’ll certainly need earplugs. You should get the highest NRR rated earplugs, especially if you’re close. You’ll protect your hearing from damage and the fireworks will still sound loud enough.
Safeguarding your ears is important
Get help before your hearing loss becomes severe. Hearing loss related to loud noise can’t be reversed and since it happens so slowly, most people don’t recognize they’re damaging their hearing. Have your hearing assessed regularly by us to determine your risk level.
