Finally, it’s summer!!
That means it’s time to get out and partake in all of the exciting activities that the season has to offer. But before you go to the beach, the concert, or the backyard barbecue, remember to protect your hearing.
When you’re out appreciating summer, remember that your hearing can be harmed by loud noises. So it’s important to take measures to safeguard your ears, especially during the summer months when you’re more likely to experience loud noises.
Here are some 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 prevent infection.
Polluted water getting inside of your ears, while normally not a serious problem, can have some negative consequences. Short-term hearing loss, pain, and swelling can be the result.
Left untreated, infections can result in damage to the eardrum and the fragile inner workings of the ear.
If you’re 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 in the summer months. Because the entertainers are attempting to reach such a large audience, however, noise levels are usually really high.
Depending on where you’re standing at the venue, you could be exposed to as much as 120dB of sound. These volume levels can instantly trigger hearing loss that can be permanent.
Earplugs will block some of that sound but won’t distort it. The amount of sound that can be blocked by earplugs will be determined by an NRR rating of between 20 and 33. An NRR of 20 will lower the sound by 20 dB. So if you’re attending a concert with 120dB of sound, it will be reduced to 100dB.
But that amount of sound can still potentially damage your hearing.
The closer to the speaker you are, the higher NRR you’ll need to safeguard your ears and prevent permanent hearing damage. Within 15 minutes, you can experience permanent hearing damage even if you make use of the highest level of protection. For the highest level of protection, stand far away from the speakers and use earplugs.
The same goes for indoor concerts, sporting events, plays, movies, cook-outs, celebrations, or other events where sounds are being boosted through speakers.
Yard work
The grass will keep growing so mowing will be required pretty much every week. You take measures such as edging flower beds and weeding the gardens so your yard looks nice. Then you utilize a weed-whacker to clean up around the trees.
Power equipment and other yard equipment can be really loud, and sustained exposure can and will damage your hearing. Earplugs will help decrease the noise from these tools and safeguard your hearing.
If you’re mowing the lawn without earplugs, you’re slowly damaging your hearing and it will become more apparent over time.
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 there’s a negative side to fireworks. The noise they make can be in excess of 175 dB. If you shot a gun right near your head it would be about this volume.
You’ll absolutely want earplugs if you’re going to a big fireworks show. If you’re near to the action, the highest NRR rating is advisable. You’ll protect your hearing from damage and the fireworks will still sound loud enough.
It’s important to protect your hearing
Get help before your hearing loss becomes profound. Hearing loss caused by loud noise can’t be reversed and since it occurs so slowly, most people don’t realize they’re harming their hearing. Have your hearing checked routinely by us to identify your risk level.