Protect Your Ears This Summer

Bring on the summer weather! There’s nothing quite like sunshine and fresh air to make people smile. Hopefully, you are sun aware and protect your skin from those harmful UV rays to enjoy the good weather safely. While protecting your skin is important, don’t forget to protect your ears from the humid weather and pool water! Strange as it may sound, your ears are also exposed to extra hazards in the summer; so don’t neglect your ear health.

#1: Plane pressure 

Flying off for a special vacation? We’re all familiar with that popping sensation as the plane changes altitude, and this represents a difference in pressure across your eardrum. But did you know that the risk of a burst eardrum is greater when landing than when taking off? This is all to do with the adjustments your middle ear made whilst at altitude and the greater atmospheric pressure as the plane loses altitude.

To prevent painful ears and possibly even a burst eardrum, suck candy, chew gum, sip water or yawn. Each time you swallow it helps open up the tube connecting your middle ear to your throat and thus equalize the pressure. If you have a heavy cold then use a decongestant to free up this tube so it’s not blocked!

#2: Sunscreen

The tips of the ears are a common site for skin cancer, as people often forget to apply their sunscreen here. The earliest warning signs are patches of reddened, flaky skin. If you see this then get your ears checked by a physician.

Be just as conscientious about protecting your ears as any other part of your body, and use sunscreen or protect your ears with a broad brimmed hat.

#3: Swimmer’s ear

Splashing around in the pool means getting water in the ear canal. This dampness then softens the skin and weakens its ability to defend itself against the bacteria normally found on the surface of the skin. In addition, when swimming in lakes the water may contain bacteria and bugs which then set up infection. Hearing aid wearers are especially vulnerable to swimmer’s ear as their device tends to reduce air circulation in the canal. 

Symptoms of swimmer’s ear include hot itchiness, and if your experience discomfort, get your ears checked by a hearing care provider. To avoid this problem in the future, blot the ears dry after swimming with dry, clean towel.

#4: Summer sounds

That sunshine encourages the grass to grow which means regularly cutting the lawn. Be aware that machinery we take for granted, such as a lawn mower or weed whacker, can exceed the safe decibel limit for healthy hearing. Wear ear defenders while doing those summertime tasks that are just a little too noisy.

#5: Hearing help

And last, but not least; don’t forget to pack your hearing device, plus spare batteries. Don’t spoil you vacation by running out of battery power and not being able to enjoy the sights and sounds of your holiday destination.