As the sun emerges and temperatures rise, summer brings a wave of outdoor activities and adventures. While soaking up the sun and enjoying the season’s festivities, it’s crucial to remember to protect one often overlooked part of the body: our ears.
From ear infections to exposure to loud noises, summer poses unique risks to our ears and hearing health. Luckily, with a few simple precautions, you can safeguard your hearing and ensure a fun and painless summer.
Protecting Your Ears
Protect Against Water
Whether you’re diving into the pool or enjoying water sports, water exposure is a common summertime hazard for ears. Prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to painful ear infections such as swimmer’s ear. To prevent this, invest in quality earplugs designed specifically for water activities. These earplugs create a barrier, keeping water out while still allowing you to enjoy aquatic adventures to the fullest. Additionally, thoroughly dry your ears following water-based activities, like swims at Campbell County YMCA.
Limit Exposure to Loud Noises
From outdoor concerts and fireworks displays to bustling street festivals, summer provides exposure to loud noises. While these experiences are undeniably fun, they can also pose a risk to your hearing health. Protect your ears by wearing earplugs or earmuffs when attending noisy events like fireworks. Take breaks from loud settings to preserve your hearing health.
Take Breaks from Headphone Use
With longer days and warmer weather, many of us turn to our favorite tunes to accompany our summer adventures. While enjoying music through headphones can enhance our experiences, it’s essential to use caution and practice moderation. Prolonged headphone use at high volumes can damage delicate ear structures over time. To protect your ears, opt for over-the-ear headphones and heed your device’s volume warnings.
Practice Proper Ear Hygiene
Sweating in the summer heat can create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, increasing the risk of ear infections. Maintain good ear hygiene by gently cleaning your ears with a washcloth after swimming or sweating. Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into your ear canal, as this can push wax deeper and potentially damage the eardrum. If you experience any signs of an ear infection, such as pain, itching or discharge, seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications.
By incorporating these simple yet effective ear protection tips into your summer routine, you can enjoy all that the season has to offer while preserving your hearing health. To learn more about protecting your hearing health or to schedule a hearing test, contact ENT & Allergy Specialists – Ear Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons.