Summer is here!
That means it’s time to go out and partake in all of the fun activities that the season has to offer. But before you go to the beach, the concert, or the backyard cookout, remember to protect your hearing.
When you’re out enjoying summer, remember that your hearing can be damaged by loud noises. So it’s important to take measures to protect your ears, especially during the summer months when you’re more likely to experience loud noises.
Here are several activities that are best enjoyed with earplugs.
Swimming
Even in clean pools, there can be parasites and bacteria that can result in swimmer’s ear. Earplugs will help keep your ears dry and stop infection.
While pool-borne illness is rarely serious, polluted water getting into your ear canal can have unhealthy effects. Temporary hearing loss, pain, and swelling can be the consequence.
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 set of swimmers earplugs.
Live performances and concerts
Going to a concert is always a good time, particularly during the summer. But live concerts are typically really loud.
Depending on where you’re standing at the venue, you could be exposed to as much as 120dB of sound. These volume levels can immediately cause 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 identifies the strength of the protection. 20dB of sound will be blocked 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.
Protecting your hearing will mean using a higher NRR the closer to the speakers you will be standing. Even if you acquire the highest level of hearing protection, you will still be subjected to sounds loud enough to trigger permanent hearing damage within 15 minutes. For the highest level of protection, stand a distance 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 continue o grow so mowing will be necessary pretty much weekly. You take steps such as 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 definitely be compromised by the loud volume 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 slowly damaging your hearing and it will become more obvious over time.
Independence Day
It wouldn’t be Independence Day without them. On the 4th of July, we will all be celebrating our nation’s independence. But fireworks have a dark side. They can create up to 175dB of noise. That’s as loud as a pistol being discharged right beside your head!
You’ll absolutely want earplugs if you’re going to a large fireworks show. You should get the highest NRR rated earplugs, particularly if you’re close. You’ll still be able to hear the fireworks and they’ll still be loud, but you’ll be safeguarding your ears from future hearing loss.
Safeguarding your ears is important
Get help before your hearing loss becomes severe. Most people most likely won’t even realize that their hearing is gradually going until it’s too late, and unfortunately, there’s no cure. Have your hearing checked routinely by us to identify your risk level.