Summer has finally arrived!
This summer season has tons of fun. But before you go to the beach, the concert, or the backyard cookout, remember to take care of your hearing.
When you’re out appreciating summer, do keep in mind that your hearing can be harmed by loud noises. During the summer you’re much more likely to be exposed to loud sounds, so it’s really important to take the appropriate steps to protect your hearing.
Here are some activities that are best enjoyed with earplugs.
Swimming
Even in clean pools, there can be bacteria and parasites that can result in swimmer’s ear. You can prevent infections by keeping water out of your ears and earplugs can help you do this.
While pool-borne infection isn’t usually serious, contaminated water getting into your ear canal can have harmful effects. Short-term hearing loss, pain, and inflammation can be the consequence.
Left unaddressed, infections can lead to damage to the eardrum and the delicate inner workings of the ear.
It’s not possible to totally avoid all pathogens in pools or hot tubs, but wearing swimming earplugs will help safeguard your ears.
Concerts and live performances
Attending a concert is always fun, particularly during the summer. Because the performers are trying to reach such a big audience, however, volume levels are often off the charts.
You may be exposed to over 120dB of volume 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 stopped by earplugs will be determined 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 at a concert with 120dB of sound, it will be reduced to 100dB.
But that amount of sound can still potentially harm your hearing.
The closer to the speaker you are, 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 trigger irreversible hearing damage within 15 minutes. Wear earplugs and stand at a distance from the speakers for best protection.
The same applies to indoor concerts, sporting events, plays, movies, barbecues, celebrations, or other events where sounds are being amplified through speakers.
Yard work
You do it each week, but the grass keeps growing. You regularly 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.
Your hearing will certainly be compromised by the volume level of yard equipment. Earplugs will help reduce the noise from these tools and protect your hearing.
If you aren’t using earplugs when you use the mower, over time, you will be noticeably doing hearing loss.
Independence Day
They’re an essential aspect of Independence Day. On the 4th of July, we will all be celebrating our country’s independence. But fireworks have a dark side. They can generate up to 175dB of noise. 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 still hear the fireworks and they will still be loud, but you’ll be protecting your ears from future hearing loss.
Safeguarding your ears is important
Get help before your hearing loss becomes extreme. Most individuals probably won’t even realize that their hearing is gradually going until it’s too late, and regrettably, there’s no cure. Get your hearing assessed regularly by us to identify your risk level.