Hearing Associates of Libertyville, IL

Man trimming bushes with electric trimmer while wearing hearing protection.

Summer is here!

That means it’s time to go out and enjoy all the fun experiences that the season has to provide. But before you go to the beach, the concert, or the backyard cookout, don’t forget to protect your hearing.

Loud noises can damage your hearing, even if you don’t think they’re very loud. In the summer you’re much more likely to be exposed to loud sounds, so it’s very important to take the right steps to protect your hearing.

One of the most important steps is utilizing earplugs, especially under certain conditions.

Going for a swim

Even in clean pools, there can be bacteria and parasites that can trigger swimmer’s ear. You can prevent infections by keeping your ears dry and earplugs can help you do this.

Polluted water getting into your ears, while usually not a serious problem, can have some negative repercussions. Temporary hearing loss, pain, and swelling can be the outcome.

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

If you are going into a hot tub or pool it won’t be possible to avoid all germs and pathogens, but your ears can get a level of protection by using a pair of swimmers earplugs.

Live performances and concerts

Attending a concert is always fun, particularly in the summer months. Because the entertainers are trying to reach such a large audience, however, volume levels are usually off the charts.

Depending on the spot that you’re standing at the venue, you may be exposed to as many as 120 decibels (dB). That’s enough to trigger instant and permanent hearing loss.

Earplugs are designed 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. 20dB of sound will be stopped by earplugs with a 20 NRR rating. So if you’re at a concert with 120dB of sound, it will be lowered to 100dB.

However, that’s still a potentially damaging level.

Protecting your hearing will mean utilizing a higher NRR the closer to the speakers you will be standing. Within 15 minutes, you can develop irreversible hearing damage even if you use the highest level of protection. For the best protection, stand far away from the speakers and use earplugs.

The same applies to indoor concerts, sporting events, plays, movies, barbecues, celebrations, or other events where sounds are being boosted through speakers.

Yard work

You do it every week, but the grass keeps growing. You take measures like edging flower beds and weeding the gardens so your yard looks nice. Then you use a weed-whacker to clean up around the trees.

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

If you aren’t using earplugs when you use the mower, over time, you will be observably causing hearing loss.

Independence Day

They’re an essential part 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. The noise they make can be in excess of 175 dB. That’s as loud as a pistol being discharged right next to your head!

If you’re going to a show in which the fireworks are booming and repeating, you’ll definitely need earplugs. You should acquire the highest NRR rated earplugs, especially if you’re close. You’ll safeguard your ears from damage and the fireworks will still sound loud enough.

It’s important to safeguard your hearing

Seek help before your hearing loss becomes severe. Hearing loss caused by loud noise can’t be corrected 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 may have.

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The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.
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