Summer has finally arrived!
That means it’s time to get out and partake in all of the exciting activities that the season has to provide. But keep the health of your hearing in mind 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, don’t forget that your hearing can be harmed by loud noises. During the summer you’re a lot more likely to be exposed to loud sounds, so it’s very important to take the right steps to safeguard your hearing.
Here are some activities that are best enjoyed with earplugs.
Going for a swim
Bacteria and parasites love water and can even live in fairly clean pools potentially resulting in swimmer’s ear. You can prevent infections by keeping your ears dry and earplugs can help you do this.
While pool-borne sickness isn’t usually serious, polluted water getting into your ear canal can have unhealthy effects. It can result in 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 a level of protection by using a set of swimmers earplugs.
Live performances and concerts
Attending a concert is always fun, particularly during the summer. Because the entertainers are trying to reach such a big audience, however, volume levels are often really high.
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 reduce sound, not distort it. Earplugs have an NRR rating with a range of 20 to 33, which identifies the strength of the protection. An NRR of 20 will lower the sound by 20 dB. So a 120-dB concert will be reduced to around 100 dB.
But that degree of sound can still potentially damage your hearing.
The closer to the speaker you are, the higher NRR you’ll require to protect your ears and prevent irreversible hearing damage. Even if you get the highest level of hearing protection, you will still be exposed to sounds loud enough to trigger irreversible hearing damage within 15 minutes. Use earplugs and stand at a distance from the speakers for optimum protection.
This doesn’t just apply to concerts, it’s also relevant for things like festivals, movies, plays, sporting events, and any other event where sound will be boosted through speakers.
Yard work
You do it each week, but the grass continues to grow. You take steps such as edging flower beds and weeding the gardens so your yard looks nice. Then you use a weed-whacker to touch up around the trees.
Power tools and other yard tools can be very loud, and prolonged exposure can and will damage your hearing. Earplugs will help reduce the noise from these tools and safeguard your hearing.
If you’re not using earplugs when you operate the mower, over time, you will be observably causing hearing loss.
Independence Day
They’re a key part of Independence Day. When July arrives, it’s time to celebrate the birth of our country. But fireworks have a negative side. They can generate up to 175dB of noise. If you shot a gun right next to your head it would be about this volume.
You’ll definitely 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 protect your hearing from damage and the fireworks will still sound loud enough.
Protecting your ears is important
Don’t wait until your hearing loss is significant to seek help. Most people most likely won’t even realize that their hearing is gradually going until it’s too late, and regrettably, it’s irreversible. Have your hearing checked regularly by us to identify your risk level.