Finally, it’s summertime!!
That means it’s time to get out and enjoy all the fun activities that the season has to provide. But before you go to the beach, the concert, or the backyard cookout, remember to take care of your hearing.
When you’re out enjoying summer, remember that your hearing can be harmed by loud noises. 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 significant steps is using earplugs, especially under certain conditions.
Swimming
Even in clean pools, there can be bacteria and parasites that can lead to swimmer’s ear. You can prevent infections by keeping water out of your ears and earplugs can help you do this.
Contaminated water getting inside of your ears, while normally not a serious issue, can have some adverse repercussions. Temporary hearing loss, pain, and inflammation can be the consequence.
The eardrum and also the fragile inner workings of the ear can be damaged by neglected infections.
If you’re going into a hot tub or pool it won’t be possible 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 during the summer. But live concerts are usually really loud.
You could be exposed to over 120dB of sound depending on where you’re standing. These volume levels can immediately trigger hearing loss that can be permanent.
Earplugs are designed to decrease sound, not distort it. Earplugs have an NRR rating with a range of 20 to 33, which determines the strength of the protection. An NRR of 20 will lower the sound by 20 dB. So a 120-dB concert will be lowered to around 100 dB.
However, that’s still a potentially harmful level.
The closer to the speaker you are, the higher NRR you’ll need to safeguard your ears and prevent irreversible hearing damage. Within 15 minutes, you can develop permanent hearing damage even if you use the highest level of protection. Use earplugs and stand at a distance from the speakers for optimum protection.
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 will continue o grow so mowing will be necessary pretty much weekly. You take measures like edging flower beds and weeding the gardens so your yard looks nice. Then you keep the long grass in check with a weed-whacker.
Your hearing will certainly be damaged by the volume level of yard equipment. The noise from this equipment can be decreased 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 noticeably doing hearing loss.
Independence Day
They’re an essential part of Independence Day. On the 4th of July, we will all be celebrating our nation’s independence. But there’s a negative side to fireworks. The noise they create can be in excess of 175 dB. That’s the volume of a pistol being discharged right beside your head!
You’ll definitely want earplugs if you’re going to a large fireworks show. 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 be loud enough.
It’s important to safeguard your hearing
Don’t wait until your hearing loss is extreme to seek help. Hearing loss caused by loud noise can’t be reversed and since it takes place so slowly, most people don’t realize they’re damaging their hearing. Have your hearing checked regularly by us to identify your risk level.