Fireworks, sports games, concerts and outdoor hobbies: events like these are what make summer vibrant and memorable. At The House Institute, we want you to enjoy your summer to the fullest, but we’re also cautious about hearing damage from loud noise. There are myriad options for hearing protection available, so let’s discuss them and what circumstances each is most appropriate for, so you can protect your hearing this summer.
Noise Hazards of Summer
Any sound above 85 decibels can damage your hearing, and the louder the noise, the sooner the damage occurs. At 85 decibels, it takes several hours to occur; at 100 decibels, it takes about 15 minutes; at 120 decibels, damage is instantaneous.
Here are some common summer events and activities that can expose you to dangerous sound levels:
- Concerts (outdoor and indoor)
- Sporting events at an arena or stadium
- Fireworks show
- Parades
- Riding motorcycles, ATVs and other recreational vehicles
- Speed boat motor
- Shooting firearms
- Lawnmower
- Power tools
- Road construction
Foam Earplugs
Disposable foam earplugs are among the most common types of hearing protection. They’re effective, discreet and easy to find at your local grocery store or pharmacy. Many loud events, such as concerts and sporting events, even pass them out to attendees for free. When used properly, foam earplugs can reduce sound levels by 30 decibels!
You can use earplugs in almost any situation where you’re exposed to loud noise. However, you may find they distort sound slightly due to their sound-absorbing foam material. If simple sound dampening is the goal—such as when using power tools or watching fireworks—this doesn’t really matter, but audiophiles may be hesitant to use them at a concert, lest it change the way the music sounds.
Custom Earplugs
Custom earplugs work just like foam earplugs, but instead of being made from foam, they are crafted from silicone based on a mold impression of your ear canal. That custom fit ensures that they are comfortable and work well every time, whereas foam earplugs are susceptible to being put in improperly and can be less effective as a result.
Moreover, custom earplugs are often designed for a specific use case. There are musicians’ custom earplugs that effectively block sound while maintaining the fidelity of the music, so there’s no sound distortion. Shooter’s custom earplugs reduce the crack of gunfire noise incredibly well while still allowing background noise to come through so you can maintain awareness while out in the field.
Earmuffs
Earmuffs fit over your entire ear and block sound waves from entering. These are very popular for yardwork, power tool use and industrial work, as they muffle all sounds indiscriminately. They’re also easy to put on and take off.
Generally speaking, it’s hard to wear earmuffs improperly, as they cover the whole ear. However, if anything is near or covering your ear, such as glasses, a hat or long hair, they won’t seal properly.
If your ears produce a lot of earwax, earmuffs may be an especially appealing option for you. Earplugs (both foam and custom) block earwax from exiting the ear canal, so prolonged use can lead to earwax compaction. That isn’t a concern with earmuffs.
Electronic Earmuffs
These earmuffs don’t just muffle sound with foam covers; they also use microphones and speakers to let certain sounds through. They will amplify soft or non-hazardous sounds while blocking the most dangerous noises. These are popular among hunters and firearm hobbyists.
We Care About Your Hearing Health
Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, but it’s also preventable with the right precautions. The options listed above all have their strengths and weaknesses, depending on the environment in which you will be using them. We urge you to thoroughly consider which option best suits your needs and protects your hearing.
If you do feel like hearing damage has occurred and notice signs that your hearing has changed, call us to schedule a hearing test.