Summertime June 2021
WooHoo! Summer's here in Oregon, and so is the heat so I have my fan cranked, sitting next to it whirling it's 65dB level.
Hi you all, Radha Joy, Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (COHC), a licensed Speech Language Pathologist and a Hearing Aid Specialist in Training, advocate and educator here. I was just reading an article Sounds Of The Fourth: The Science Behind The Snap, Crackle, Boom : NPR by Ari Shapiro of “All Things Considered” and it reminded me of America’s upcoming holiday, the Fourth of July and the potential noise exposure involved.
Whenever I think of the Fourth, I am reminded of all the loud sounds, especially the loud BOOM and POPS of fireworks. Depending on their construction, fireworks often exceed 150 decibels, which are levels you, nor our ears, should ever be exposed to. If you’re into Pyrotechnics, you need Personal Ear Protection, unless you're in Japan, I've been told there are noiseless fireworks.
Being a Hearing Conservationist, I think about this particular holiday and how it can cause noise induced hearing loss for so many folks. This is why when you head out this July 2nd-5th weekend, 2021, don’t forget to take some hearing protection: PepPlugs.com (Personal Ear Protection Plugs) not only for the loud explosives but maybe for the noisy RV neighbor in the next campsite or for the jet skis or motor of the motorboat you’re riding in.
Or perhaps you’re boarding an airplane this holiday. Keep in mind that aircraft engines can exceed 140 decibels (dB) during takeoff. Sitting next to the engine for the duration of the flight or the airline cabin noise varies depending on the type of plane, usually between 95 and 105 decibels. Passengers seated in the back of the plane may experience higher noise levels. OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety) states, A hearing conservation program must be implemented when employees are exposed to 85 dB or more in an 8-hour day. So if you’re on a longer flight, you should definitely have PepPlugs.
Happy Independence Day! There is great independence in making smart and good health choices for yourself and loved ones. There isn’t anything more American than planning ahead and bringing along Personal Ear Protection (PEP) Plugs on your Adventures this 4th of July. That’s m
y soapbox for the day! “Hearing Loss is Expensive, Earplugs are not.” Author, David Owen -- Radha Joy, Radha@peppnow.com
FYI for my Canadian friends,
Canada Day is Loud Too -- Protect your Ears!
