Summer is here!
That means it’s time to go out and partake in all of the fun activities that the season has to provide. But before you hit the beach, the concert, or the backyard cookout, remember to take care of your hearing.
When you’re out enjoying summer, do keep in mind that your hearing can be damaged by loud noises. So it’s essential to take measures to safeguard your ears, particularly during the summer months when you’re more likely to experience loud noises.
One of the most significant steps is utilizing earplugs, particularly under certain conditions.
Going for a swim
Parasites and bacteria love water and can even live in fairly clean pools potentially resulting in swimmer’s ear. Earplugs will help keep water out of your ears and prevent infection.
Contaminated water getting into your ears, while usually not a serious problem, can have some unwanted repercussions. It can lead to inflammation, pain, and even temporary hearing loss.
Left untreated, infections can result in damage to the eardrum and the fragile inner workings of the ear.
If you are going into a hot tub or pool it will be impossible to steer clear of all germs and pathogens, but your ears can get a level of protection by using a pair of swimmers earplugs.
Concerts and live performances
Summer is the ideal time for a night of live music. But live concerts are typically very loud.
You might be exposed to more than 120dB of volume depending on the spot that you’re standing. That’s enough to trigger immediate and lasting hearing loss.
Earplugs will stop some of that sound but won’t distort it. Earplugs have an NRR rating with a range of 20 to 33, which establishes the strength of the protection. An NRR of 20 will reduce the sound by 20 dB. 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.
Safeguarding your hearing will mean using a higher NRR the closer to the speakers you will be standing. Within 15 minutes, you can experience 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 amplified through speakers.
Yard work
The grass will keep growing so mowing will be necessary pretty much weekly. You routinely edge the flowerbeds and weed the steps to keep your yard from looking messy. Then you keep the long grass under control with a weed-whacker.
Your hearing will certainly be damaged by the volume level of yard equipment. Earplugs will help decrease the noise from these tools and protect your hearing.
If you’re mowing the lawn without earplugs, you’re gradually damaging your ears and it will become more evident over time.
Independence Day
They’re a key part of Independence Day. When July comes around, it’s time to celebrate the independence of our nation. But fireworks have a dark side. They can generate up to 175dB of noise. If you shot a gun right near your head it would be about this volume.
If you’re going to a show where the fireworks are thunderous and recurring, you’ll definitely need earplugs. You should get the highest NRR rated earplugs, particularly if you’re close. You’ll safeguard your ears from damage and the fireworks will still sound loud enough.
It’s important to protect your ears
Don’t wait until your hearing loss is significant to get help. Hearing loss caused by loud noise can’t be corrected and since it occurs so slowly, most people don’t recognize they’re damaging their hearing. Have your hearing checked routinely by us to determine your risk level.
