Keep your cool and protect your ears all summer long.
As the temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, you may find yourself outdoors more often. It’s important to protect yourself from the potential hazards of warm weather and safeguard your hearing health. We’ve gathered some top hearing protection tips to keep your ears and hearing health safe this summer. If you have specific questions or concerns about your hearing health, make sure to speak with your audiologist.
Let’s take a look at some summer tips for hearing health!
Apply Sunscreen to Your Ears and Wear a Hat
When putting on sunscreen to shield your skin from harmful UV rays, don’t forget about your ears! The skin on the ears is delicate and prone to sunburn, which can lead to discomfort and potential long-term damage. Apply sunscreen generously to your ears, ensuring complete coverage. If you wear hearing aids, be sure to remove them before applying sunscreen as it can damage the delicate instruments. Additionally, wearing a wide-brimmed hat provides added protection by shading your ears (and any hearing aid devices) from direct sunlight.
Utilize a Sweatband
For people who wear hearing aids, the combination of heat and moisture can pose challenges for some devices. Sweat and humidity can interfere with the proper functioning of hearing aids, leading to discomfort and decreased performance. During hot weather or physical activities, consider wearing a sweatband to absorb moisture and prevent it from reaching your hearing aids. This simple accessory can help prolong the lifespan of your devices and ensure optimal functionality.
In addition, it’s especially important to pay attention to daily maintenance of your devices. Make sure that your assistive devices are not overheating in the warm summer months during use. You may also want to gently dry or dehumidify your hearing aids to ensure optimal performance during hot and sticky summer months.
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is essential for overall health, including the health of your ears. Dehydration is a concern, especially in the hot summer months as your body is sweating and losing more moisture than usual. Make it a priority to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when spending time outdoors in the heat. Keeping your body well-hydrated supports your auditory system and promotes overall well-being.
Avoid Exposing Hearing Devices to Direct Sunlight or Heat
If you use hearing aids or other assistive devices, it’s important to protect them from extreme heat. Leaving hearing devices in direct sunlight or inside hot cars can damage sensitive components and compromise performance. When not in use, store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Additionally, avoid exposing them to excessive heat sources, such as hairdryers or heaters, which can also cause harm.
Wear Hearing Protection During Yard Work
Summer often means tackling outdoor projects like gardening, lawn mowing, or landscaping. These activities can expose you to loud noises that can damage your hearing over time. Protect your ears by wearing earplugs or earmuffs when operating noisy equipment or engaging in loud activities. Investing in quality hearing protection can help preserve your hearing for years to come.
Monitor Noise Levels at Outdoor Events
Summer offers many outdoor entertainment opportunities, from outdoor concerts to sporting events, fireworks and more. While these gatherings can be enjoyable, they often involve high noise levels that can harm your hearing. Pay attention to your surroundings and take breaks from loud noise when possible. If you anticipate being in a noisy environment for an extended period, consider wearing earplugs to reduce your exposure to harmful sound levels.
By following these simple yet effective tips, you can safeguard your hearing health and enjoy all that summer has to offer. For more hearing health tips, make sure to take a look at the CapTel blog.
