What Are The Risks to Your Ear Health in Summer?

The summer months bring with it high temperatures and humidity, both of which affect your hearing health.2 Along with these seasonal changes, our lifestyles also shift, with many of us spending more time outdoors, at loud music festivals, or in the water. As a result, we face unique challenges during the summer months. These include:

  • Swimmer’s ear: chlorine in pools can alter the pH balance of your ears, leading to a condition known as swimmer’s ear. Though temporary, symptoms often include redness, fluid drainage, and temporary hearing loss.3 
  • Ear infections: moisture from sweat or humidity can build up in the ear canal, creating the perfect environment for bacteria.4 This bacteria can then lead to infections that may temporarily affect your hearing. 
  • Dehydration: when we are dehydrated, we often have thickened ear wax.5 This can be uncomfortable and make it harder to hear. 
  • Hearing damage: loud music at festivals, parties, and other events can permanently damage your hearing when exposed for a significant amount of time.6 

If you have any concerns, contact your hearing care professional or healthcare provider. While caution should be taken during the warmer months, it’s not all bad news. There are plenty of easy tips for protecting your ears in summer.
 

Top Tips For Protecting Your Ears During Summer Activities

Just because summer poses some risks to your ear health, doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of it. With these useful tips, you can protect your ears during summer activities and ensure you are prepared for days spent in the sun and ocean. 

  • Dry your ears after swimming or showering: for those living in humid environments, be sure to keep your ears dry. Make sure water is removed from the inner ear after swimming, precipitation, or high humidity to prevent infections.7 
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to loud sounds: whether you’re mowing the lawn or attending a festival, limit your exposure to loud sounds. The 60/60 rule suggests listening to music at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.8 
  • Wear ear protection: for those at a live music concert, consider wearing earplugs to limit your exposure to loud noise and provide protection for your ears.8 
  • Use moisture-wicking clothing: for those wearing hearing aids, consider using moisture-wicking clothing like sweatbands or ear protectors to reduce the risk of moisture building up in your ears.9 
  • Stay hydrated: staying hydrated is very good for your overall health. By drinking plenty of water, you can keep your mucous membranes moist and help prevent ear infections, including sinusitis.1
 

Recognising The Early Signs of Hearing Impairment

Knowing the early signs of hearing loss can help you address symptoms and protect your hearing by seeking advice when necessary, from a professional healthcare provider.When it comes to the early signs to look out for, consider the following:

  • Ringing in the ears: if you experience a ringing, buzzing, or feeling of fullness in your ears, it could be a sign of temporary hearing damage.11 If the issue persists, consider seeing a hearing care professional. 
  • Difficulty understanding speech: if you find it harder to understand conversations, it could be a sign that your hearing is being affected.11 Be mindful of how well you can hear in different situations, particularly in busy or crowded events. 
  • Ear pain or discomfort: any discomfort in your ears after being in loud environments, humid settings, or exposing your ears to water, should be taken seriously. This could indicate a possible ear infection or other issues.12 

Protecting your hearing health doesn’t need to get in the way of enjoying the warmer months. Whether it’s staying hydrated or wearing ear protection, taking care of your ears is essential for maintaining your hearing health. 

 

If you’re concerned about your hearing or need tips on how to protect your ear health this summer, book an appointment at your local Connect Hearing clinic today. Our friendly team can provide you with advice, check your hearing, and help ensure you take the best care of your ears all year round. 

 

References

  1. Loyola University Health System (25 June 2012), Sounds of summer can be a danger to hearing, Science Daily, accessed 18 January 2025. 
  2. BMC Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders (17 July 2002), Weather conditions and sudden sensorineural hearing loss, BMC Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders, accessed 18 January 2025. 
  3. Mayo Clinic (n.d.), Swimmer’s ear, www.mayoclinic.org, accessed 18 January 2025
  4. Jefferson Health (29 June 2023), Swimmer’s Ear vs. Middle Ear Infections, www.jeffersonhealth.org, accessed 18 January 2025.
  5. Ear View (n.d), How Diet can Effect Your Earwax, www.earview.co.uk, accessed 18 January 2025. 
  6. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (n.d.), Noise-Induced Hearing Loss, www.nidcd.nih.gov, accessed 18 January 2025. 
  7. U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (n.d.), Preventing Swimmer’s Ear, www.cdc.gov, accessed 18 January 2025.
  8. Children’s Health Queensland (25 October 2024), Tuning into the risk of hearing loss, Queensland Government, accessed 18 January 2025.
  9. Center for Hearing and Communication (19 July 2024), Summer Tips for Protecting Devices from Sweat and Humidity, www.chchearing.org, accessed 18 January 2025.
  10. Greater Knoxville ENT (1 June 2023), The Benefits of Staying Hydrated for Your ENT Health, https://greaterknoxent.com, accessed 18 January 2025.
  11. Cleveland Clinic (n.d.), Hearing Loss, https://my.clevelandclinic.org, accessed 18 January 2025.
  12. Mayo Clinic (n.d.), Ear infection (middle ear), www.mayoclinic.org, accessed 18 January 2025.