Hearing Health Tips for Summer Trips

Summer is synonymous with travel and adventure. Whether it's a beach getaway, a road trip, or exploring new destinations, summer trips are a favorite pastime for many. However, travel and hot weather can significantly impact our ears, so it’s worth taking steps to protect them while we travel. This blog will explore hearing health tips to help you enjoy a healthy summer vacation!

Summertime Noise Exposure

Sound levels up to about 85 dB are generally considered safe, but anything louder can cause hearing loss. Hot weather often means outdoor activities, such as concerts, festivals, and fireworks. These еvеnts can expose your еars to high levels of noise, which can lead to hearing damage or еvеn permanent hearing loss over time. Some summer hearing health tips to protect your hearing include:

• Investing in Quality Earplugs: Invest in high-quality earplugs for loud events. Custom-fitted earplugs offer optimal protection and comfort.
• Limiting Exposure to Loud Environments: Take breaks from loud music and noisy events to let your ears recover.
• Protect Against Water: Keep your ears clean, and consider the use of waterproof earplugs during water activities to prevent infections.
• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration thickens earwax, causing blockages and discomfort. Stay adequately hydrated for healthy ear function.
• Use Sun Protection: Wear a hat or apply sunscreen to your ears to avoid painful sunburn.
• Keep the Volume on Personal Audio Devices in Check: Keep headphone volume reasonable to avoid hearing damage over time.
• Protect Yourself from Dangerous Noise Levels such as those at concerts and firework displays.

Summertime Water Activities

The warm summer months are perfect for the ocean, pool, and hot tub. Our ears are usually pretty good about protecting themselves from moisture-related damage, but certain conditions – including a wax build-up – can lead to trouble. At the beginning of the season, it may be worth seeing your doctor, nurse, or audiologist about having your ears checked and, if needed, cleaned. People with known conditions can also use waterproof, over-the-counter, or custom-made earplugs. Indeed, it's crucial to take preventive measures for optimal summer hearing health. After engaging in water activities, if you notice pressure, fullness, and a sensation of heat in your ears, contact your doctor or audiologist immediately, as a swimmer’s ear is a common infection during summer. Water remaining in the ear creates a breeding ground for bacteria, and ear infections can cause discomfort and impact your hearing if not addressed in time.

Sunshine and Heat

Warm weather combined with outdoor activity can lead to dehydration. In addition to all the negatives, dehydration can result in thickened ear wax, which the body can struggle to remove. Impacted ear wax can lead to discomfort, decreased hearing, and even infection. The ears are also very exposed to sunlight and susceptible to sunburn. So don't forget these essential summer hearing health tips to protect your ears. Stay hydrated to help keep those ears clean. Wear a hat and apply sunscreen to prevent uncomfortable and even dangerous sunburn.

Packing List for Healthy Summertime Ears:

• Earplugs: Noise-reducing plugs for concerts and other noisy venues, either over-the-counter or custom molded.
• Waterproof Earplugs: If you know (or are concerned) that you are at increased risk for infections, waterproof earplugs.
• Sunscrееn: Protect your ears from sunburn, which can be painful and increase your risk of infection.
• Ear Drops: If your ears tend to collect water while swimming, diving, etc., over-the-counter ear drops can help dry them.
• Hat or Visor: Wearing a hat or visor can provide shade for your еars and protect them from direct sunlight.

Hoffmann Audiology: Your Partner in Post-Summer Hearing Care

Before or after summer trips, having your ears and hearing checked can help prevent problems down the road. Routine check-ups can provide assurance and detect problems early for prompt intervention and hearing preservation.

Hoffmann Audiology offers comprehensive hearing test, personalized advice, and solutions to your hearing issues. Our dedicated team is always ready to provide quality products and services to patients. From tinnitus solutions to customized earplugs and hearing aids, we provide the right resources to protect your ear's health. Contact us today and take the proper steps to enhance your hearing.