Finally, it’s summertime!!
That means it’s time to go out and partake in all of the exciting experiences that the season has to offer. But don’t forget about your hearing’s health before you head out for a day on the beach, a rocking concert, or perhaps a great backyard get-together.
When you’re out enjoying summer, remember that your hearing can be damaged 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 right steps to safeguard your hearing.
One of the most important steps is using earplugs, especially under certain conditions.
Going for a swim
Even in clean pools, there can be bacteria and parasites that can result in swimmer’s ear. Earplugs will help keep your ears dry and stop infection.
While pool-borne illness isn’t usually serious, contaminated water getting into your ear canal can have harmful effects. 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.
It’s impossible to completely avoid all pathogens in hot tubs or pools, but wearing swimming earplugs will help safeguard your ears.
Live performances and concerts
Attending a concert is always a good time, particularly during the summer. But live concerts are usually really loud.
You could be exposed to more than 120dB of volume depending on where you’re standing. These volume levels can instantly trigger hearing loss that can be permanent.
Earplugs are fashioned to decrease sound, not distort it. The degree 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 if you’re attending a concert with 120dB of sound, it will be reduced to 100dB.
But that degree of sound can still potentially harm your hearing.
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 experience permanent hearing damage even if you make use of the highest level of protection. Use earplugs and stand at a distance from the speakers for best protection.
The same goes for indoor concerts, sporting events, plays, movies, cook-outs, festivals, or other events where sounds are being amplified through speakers.
property maintenance
The grass will keep growing so mowing will be necessary pretty much every week. You regularly 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 volume level of yard equipment. The noise from this equipment can be decreased and your ears can be safeguarded by using earplugs.
If you’re not using earplugs when you run the mower, over time, you will be observably causing hearing loss.
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. The noise they make can be in excess of 175 dB. If you shot a gun right next to your head it would be around this volume.
If you’re attending a display in which the fireworks are thunderous and repeating, you’ll certainly need earplugs. If you’re near to the action, the highest NRR rating is advisable. You’ll still be able to hear the fireworks and they’ll still be loud, but you’ll be safeguarding your hearing from future hearing loss.
Safeguarding your ears is important
Don’t wait until your hearing loss is profound 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 harming their hearing. Give us a call right away so we can help you determine any risks you might have.
