It’s summertime, and the livin’ is easy. But outdoor activities can lead to noise-induced hearing loss, so people of all ages should take extra precautions to protect their hearing.
Prolonged exposure to the sounds of lawn mowers, power tools, motorized vehicles, sporting events, concerts and fireworks can lead to irreversible hearing damage. Fortunately, you can take steps to keep your ears safe.
The following tips are recommended by the Better Hearing Institute.
- Use earplugs. When you are going to be exposed to loud sounds, wear earplugs to prevent hearing Disposable foam or silicone earplugs will allow you to hear while blocking loud sounds. Custom ear protection crafted from earmolds will perfectly fit the contours of your ears, guaranteeing a proper fit and dependable protection.
- Leave the fireworks to the professionals. Fireworks represent an extreme noise hazard and should be restricted to professionals. The bang from a single firecracker at close range can cause immediate and permanent hearing damage. When watching fireworks, enjoy them from a distance. Earplugs will provide an extra level of hearing protection.
- Take measures to protect against swimmer’s ear.When water enters the ear canals, it can lead to a painful infection known as swimmer’s ear. To protect yourself, invest in a pair of swimmer’s plugs. Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming, and make sure to tilt your head to the side to drain any residual water from your ear canals. Avoid swimming in water where bacterial counts are high (look for signs posted at the local beach).