Summer has finally arrived!
That means it’s time to go out and partake in all of the fun experiences that the season has to offer. But before you go to the beach, the concert, or the backyard barbecue, don’t forget to take care of your hearing.
Loud noises can harm your hearing, even if you don’t feel like they’re very loud. During the summer you’re much more likely to be exposed to loud sounds, so it’s really important to take the right steps to safeguard 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 trigger swimmer’s ear. Earplugs will help keep your ears dry and prevent infection.
Polluted water getting into your ears, while usually not a serious problem, can have some unwanted repercussions. Short-term hearing loss, pain, and inflammation can be the outcome.
The eardrum and also the delicate inner workings of the ear can be damaged by neglected infections.
If you are going into a hot tub or pool it will be impossible to avoid all germs and pathogens, but your ears can get a level of protection by wearing a pair of swimmers earplugs.
Live performances and concerts
Summer is the ideal time for a night of live music. But live concerts are usually very loud.
You could be exposed to over 120dB of volume depending on where you’re standing. That’s enough to trigger instant and lasting hearing loss.
Earplugs are fashioned to reduce sound, not distort it. Earplugs have an NRR rating with a range of 20 to 33, which determines the strength of the protection. 20dB of sound will be blocked by earplugs with a 20 NRR rating. So if you’re attending a concert with 120dB of sound, it will be lowered to 100dB.
However, that’s still a potentially harmful level.
The closer you are to a speaker, the higher NRR you’ll require to safeguard your ears and prevent permanent hearing damage. Within 15 minutes, you can develop irreversible hearing damage even if you make use of the highest level of protection. For the highest level of protection, stand far away from the speakers and wear earplugs.
The same applies to indoor concerts, sporting events, plays, movies, barbecues, celebrations, or other events where sounds are being boosted through speakers.
property maintenance
The grass is going to continue o grow so mowing will be required pretty much weekly. You take measures such as edging flower beds and weeding the gardens so your yard looks great. Then you keep the long grass under control with a weed-whacker.
Power equipment and other yard equipment can be really loud, and prolonged exposure can and will harm your hearing. Earplugs will help decrease the noise from these tools and safeguard your hearing.
If you aren’t using earplugs when you use the mower, over time, you will be observably 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 fireworks have a negative side. The noise they make can exceed 175 dB. That’s as loud as a pistol being fired 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, particularly if you’re close. You’ll protect your ears from damage and the fireworks will still sound loud enough.
Safeguarding your hearing is important
Get help before your hearing loss becomes extreme. Most individuals probably won’t even recognize that their hearing is slowly going until it’s too late, and regrettably, it’s irreversible. Contact us right away so we can help you identify any risks you may have.