Finally, it’s summer!!
This summer season offers a lot of fun. But don’t forget about your hearing’s health before you go out for a day on the beach, a rocking concert, or perhaps a great backyard get-together.
When you’re out enjoying summer, do keep in mind that your hearing can be damaged by loud noises. In 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 significant steps is utilizing earplugs, particularly under certain conditions.
Swimming
Even in clean pools, there can be bacteria and parasites that can result in swimmer’s ear. You can prevent infections by keeping your ears dry and earplugs can help you do this.
Contaminated water getting into your ears, while normally not a serious issue, can have some unwanted consequences. Short-term hearing loss, pain, and inflammation can be the result.
The eardrum and also the delicate inner workings of the ear can be damaged by untreated infections.
If you’re going into a hot tub or pool it will be impossible to steer clear of all germs and pathogens, but your ears can get some protection by wearing a set of swimmers earplugs.
Live performances and concerts
Attending a concert is always fun, particularly in the summer months. Because the performers are trying to reach such a large audience, however, volume levels are usually really high.
Depending on where you’re standing at the venue, you could be exposed to as many as 120 decibels (dB). That’s enough to lead to immediate and permanent hearing loss.
Earplugs will block some of that sound but won’t distort it. The level 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.
However, that’s still a potentially damaging level.
The closer to the speaker you are, the higher NRR you’ll require 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 use earplugs.
The same goes for indoor concerts, sporting events, plays, movies, barbecues, celebrations, or other events where sounds are being amplified 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 like a mess. Then you use a weed-whacker to touch up around the trees.
Your hearing will certainly be compromised by the loud volume of yard equipment. Earplugs will help reduce the noise from these tools and safeguard your hearing.
If you’re mowing without earplugs, you’re slowly damaging your hearing and it will become more apparent over time.
Independence Day
It wouldn’t be Independence Day without them. When July arrives, it’s time to celebrate the independence of our country. But fireworks have a dark side. The noise they make can be in excess of 175 dB. That’s the volume of a pistol being fired right beside your head!
You’ll definitely want earplugs if you’re going to a large fireworks show. If you’re near to the action, the highest NRR rating is advisable. You’ll still hear the fireworks and they’ll still be loud, but you’ll be protecting your ears from future hearing loss.
Safeguarding your hearing is important
Get help before your hearing loss becomes severe. Hearing loss caused by loud noise can’t be corrected and since it happens so gradually, most people don’t recognize they’re harming their hearing. Have your hearing checked regularly by us to determine your risk level.