Finally, it’s summer!!
That means it’s time to get out and enjoy all the fun experiences that the season has to provide. But don’t forget about your hearing’s health before you head out for a day on the beach, a rocking concert, or perhaps an enjoyable backyard barbecue.
When you’re out enjoying summer, remember that your hearing can be harmed by loud noises. So it’s essential to take steps to safeguard your ears, particularly during the summer months when you’re more likely to be exposed to loud noises.
One of the most important steps is using earplugs, particularly under certain conditions.
Going for a swim
Even in clean pools, there can be bacteria and parasites that can lead to swimmer’s ear. You can stop infections by keeping water out of your ears and earplugs can help you do this.
While pool-borne infection isn’t usually serious, contaminated water getting inside of your ear canal can have harmful effects. It can cause inflammation, pain, and even temporary hearing loss.
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 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.
Live performances and concerts
Summertime is the perfect time for an evening of live music. Because the entertainers are attempting to reach such a big audience, however, volume levels are usually off the charts.
You may be exposed to more than 120dB of volume depending on the spot that you’re standing. These volume levels can instantly cause hearing loss that can be permanent.
Earplugs will stop some of that sound but won’t distort it. The amount of sound that can be stopped by earplugs will be identified by an NRR rating of between 20 and 33. 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 damaging level.
The closer to the speaker you are, the higher NRR you’ll need to safeguard your ears and prevent irreversible hearing damage. Even if you get the highest level of hearing protection, you will still be subjected to sounds loud enough to cause irreversible hearing damage within 15 minutes. Use earplugs and stand at a distance from the speakers for optimum protection.
The same goes for indoor concerts, sporting events, plays, movies, barbecues, festivals, or other events where sounds are being amplified through speakers.
property maintenance
You do it every week, but the grass keeps growing. You routinely edge the flowerbeds and weed the steps to keep your yard from looking messy. Then you use a weed-whacker to touch up around the trees.
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 aren’t using earplugs when you operate the mower, over time, you will be noticeably doing hearing loss.
Independence Day
It wouldn’t be Independence Day without them. When July comes around, it’s time to celebrate the birth of our country. But fireworks have a dark side. The noise they create can exceed 175 dB. That’s as loud as a pistol being fired right beside your head!
If you’re going to a show in which the fireworks are thunderous and recurring, you’ll certainly need earplugs. You should acquire the highest NRR rated earplugs, particularly if you’re close. You’ll still 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 profound. Most individuals probably won’t even recognize that their hearing is slowly going until it’s too late, and regrettably, it’s irreversible. Give us a call right away so we can help you identify any risks you might have.