How to Care for Your Hearing in the Summer

Summertime is a great time to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. However, it’s also important to take precautions to protect your hearing. The summer sun can be damaging to your ears, and there are many other risks associated with noisy environments like concerts and sporting events. In this blog post, we will discuss some strategies for preserving healthy hearing during the summer months.

Wear Ear Protection

If you’re expecting to be exposed to loud noises, it’s important to wear ear protection such as earplugs or earmuffs. This will help block out damaging sound levels and prevent hearing damage. For example, when attending concerts or sporting events, be sure to bring along some earplugs and wear them throughout the event.

Limit Exposure Time

When attending events like concerts and sporting games, make sure to limit your exposure time so that the noise does not become overwhelming for your ears. Taking a break from the activity every once in a while can also help reduce noise-induced hearing loss as well. For example, if you’re at a concert, take breaks in between songs or sets to rest your ears.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can cause temporary hearing issues, so it’s important to stay hydrated when spending time in the sun during the summer months. Make sure to drink plenty of water in order to protect your hearing. For example, take small sips of water throughout the day to keep your ears healthy and hydrated.

Monitor Your Music Volume

When listening to music with headphones, it’s important to keep the volume at a safe level. Setting the volume too high can damage your hearing over time and may lead to permanent hearing loss. For example, try to keep your music at a comfortable level that doesn’t require you to strain your ears to hear it.

Avoid Swimming

Swimming in loud environments such as swimming pools, rivers and lakes can increase the risk of hearing damage. If you’re planning to swim in these types of environments, try to wear earplugs or noise-canceling headphones if possible. This will help block out most noise and protect your hearing when swimming.

See an Audiologist Regularly

Audiologists are trained healthcare professionals who specialize in treating and managing hearing health. Make sure to see an audiologist regularly for checkups and advice on how to maintain healthy ears during the summer months.

Common Signs of Hearing Problems

If you notice that you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to see an audiologist to get you hearing health checked:

• Trouble hearing conversations in noisy environments.
• High-pitched ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears.
• Constant ear pain or discomfort.
• Difficulty understanding speech.
• Feeling like sound is muffled or distorted.

By following these tips and seeing an audiologist regularly, you can ensure that your hearing stays healthy during the summer months. With a little effort and awareness, you can protect your ears from unnecessary damage and preserve healthy hearing for years to come.