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 appreciating summer, remember that your hearing can be damaged by loud noises. So it’s important to take steps to protect your ears, especially during the summer months when you’re more likely to be exposed to 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 trigger swimmer’s ear. Earplugs will help keep water out of your ears and stop infection.
While pool-borne infection is rarely serious, contaminated water getting into your ear canal can have unhealthy effects. It can lead to swelling, pain, and even short-term hearing loss.
The eardrum and also the fragile inner workings of the ear can be damaged by neglected infections.
If you are going into a hot tub or pool it won’t be possible to steer clear of all germs and pathogens, but your ears can get some protection by wearing a pair of swimmers earplugs.
Live performances and concerts
Summer is the ideal time for an evening of live music. But live concerts are typically very loud.
Depending on where you’re standing at the venue, you might be exposed to as many as 120 decibels (dB). That’s enough to cause instant 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 a 120-dB concert will be lowered to around 100 dB.
However, that’s still a potentially damaging level.
The closer you are to a speaker, the higher NRR you’ll need to protect your ears and prevent permanent hearing damage. 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 best protection, stand a distance from the speakers and wear earplugs.
The same goes for indoor concerts, sporting events, plays, movies, barbecues, celebrations, or other events where sounds are being amplified through speakers.
Yard work
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 like a mess. 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. The noise from this equipment can be reduced and your ears can be protected by wearing earplugs.
If you’re mowing without earplugs, you’re slowly damaging your ears and it will become more evident over time.
Independence Day
They’re an essential aspect of Independence Day. On the 4th of July, we will all be celebrating our country’s independence. But there’s a negative side to fireworks. They can create up to 175dB of noise. 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 booming and recurring, you’ll definitely need earplugs. You should acquire the highest NRR rated earplugs, especially if you’re close. You’ll protect your ears from damage and the fireworks will still sound loud enough.
Protecting your ears is important
Seek help before your hearing loss becomes extreme. Hearing loss caused by loud noise can’t be reversed and since it takes place so gradually, most people don’t realize they’re harming their hearing. Contact us right away so we can help you determine any risks you might have.
