Summer has finally arrived!

That means it’s time to get out and partake in all of the fun activities that the season has to offer. But keep the health of your hearing in mind before you go out for a day on the beach, a rocking concert, or perhaps a great backyard barbecue.

Loud noises can damage your hearing, even if you don’t think they’re that loud. So it’s important to take measures to protect your ears, especially during the summer months when you’re more likely to be exposed to loud noises.

One of the most significant steps is using earplugs, especially under certain conditions.

Swimming

Even in clean pools, there can be parasites and bacteria that can result 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, contaminated water getting into your ear canal can have harmful effects. Short-term hearing loss, pain, and swelling can be the consequence.

The eardrum and also the delicate inner workings of the ear can be damaged by neglected infections.

It’s impossible to totally stay away from all pathogens in hot tubs or pools, but wearing swimming earplugs will help protect your ears.

Live performances and concerts

Attending a concert is always fun, especially during the summer. Because the performers are trying to reach such a big audience, however, volume levels are often off the charts.

You might be exposed to over 120dB of sound depending on the spot that you’re standing. That’s enough to cause immediate and lasting hearing loss.

Earplugs will block some of that sound but won’t distort it. The amount of sound that can be blocked by earplugs will be identified by an NRR rating of between 20 and 33. 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 amount of sound can still potentially damage your hearing.

The closer to the speaker you are, the higher NRR you’ll need to protect your ears and prevent irreversible hearing damage. Within 15 minutes, you can develop permanent hearing damage even if you use the highest level of protection. Wear earplugs and stand at a distance from the speakers for best protection.

This doesn’t just pertain to concerts, it’s also true for things like festivals, movies, plays, sporting events, and any other event where sound will be boosted through speakers.

Property maintenance

The grass will continue o grow so mowing will be required pretty much weekly. You take steps like edging flower beds and weeding the gardens so your yard looks great. Then you utilize a weed-whacker to touch up around the trees.

Power tools and other yard tools can be really loud, and sustained exposure can and will harm your hearing. The noise from this equipment can be reduced and your ears can be safeguarded by using earplugs.

If you’re mowing without earplugs, you’re gradually damaging your hearing and it will become more apparent over time.

Independence Day

They’re a key aspect of Independence Day. When July arrives, it’s time to celebrate the birth of our nation. But fireworks have a dark side. The noise they produce can exceed 175 dB. That’s as loud as a pistol being discharged right next to your head!

You’ll absolutely want earplugs if you’re going to a large fireworks show. If you’re close to the action, the highest NRR rating is suggested. You’ll still be able to hear the fireworks and they will still be loud, but you’ll be safeguarding your ears from future hearing loss.

Safeguarding your ears is important

Don’t wait until your hearing loss is significant to seek help. Hearing loss caused by loud noise can’t be reversed and since it happens so slowly, most people don’t recognize they’re damaging their hearing. Call us right away so we can help you determine any risks you might have.