Summer Travel and Your Hearing Health: What You Need to Know

As the warm weather approaches and the vacation season kicks in, you might be looking forward to embarking on summer adventures. Whether it’s a relaxing beach getaway or an exciting exploration of new cities, it’s essential to consider the impact of summer travel on your overall auditory health. Before packing your bags and hitting the road, you must learn to protect your hearing during summer adventures. This discussion explores the connection between summer travel and hearing health, highlighting five crucial points to remember.

Protect Your Ears from Noise-Induced Damage

Summer is filled with exciting outdoor events, such as music festivals and fireworks displays. While these gatherings are enjoyable, they can expose your ears to dangerously loud noise. And this can trigger hearing loss. The human threshold for safe noise exposure is around 85 decibels (dBs); anything beyond that can cause hearing damage, so keep this in mind. To protect your hearing, invest in high-quality earplugs or earmuffs that reduce noise while allowing you to enjoy music or festivities. Carry them wherever you go so you’re always prepared to safeguard your hearing so you can still have fun while protecting your ears.

Be Mindful of Water-Related Activities

As you indulge in refreshing swims or participate in watersports during your summer travels, it’s important to be mindful of water’s impact on your ears. Prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to a swimmer’s ear, an infection that occurs when water gets trapped in the ear canal. It is advisable to avoid inserting foreign objects, such as cotton swabs, into your ears to get whatever is in there out. Instead, after swimming, dry your ears thoroughly using a towel or a gentle stream of warm air from a hairdryer set to a low temperature. If you experience persistent ear discomfort, pain or drainage, consult an audiologist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Consider the Impact of Climate Differences

Summer vacations often involve traveling to different regions with varying climates. These temperature, humidity and altitude changes can affect your ears’ ability to balance pressure properly. If you’re flying or ascending to higher altitudes, be proactive in equalizing the pressure in your ears by yawning, swallowing or gently blowing through your nose while pinching it shut. If you’re particularly sensitive to changes in pressure or experience discomfort during flights or mountainous terrain, consult an audiologist for advice and strategies to alleviate these issues. This step is advisable to help you make the best choice regarding your hearing aids throughout the summer to avoid any issues.

Maintenance and Care of Hearing Aids

When taking care of your hearing aids during summer travel, a few extra precautions can go a

long way in preserving their functionality. Extreme temperatures and exposure to water or sweat can damage your devices. Ensure you store your hearing aids in a protective case when not in use and avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or near heat sources like a car dashboard.

Additionally, clean your hearing aids regularly using recommended cleaning tools and follow your audiologist’s guidance on maintaining their performance in different climates. They may provide specific instructions on cleaning, storing and maintaining your devices, ensuring optimal performance throughout your trip.

Schedule a Check-Up with an Audiologist

Before embarking on your summer adventures, consider scheduling a comprehensive check-up with an audiologist. They will evaluate your hearing health and make any necessary adjustments to your auditory devices. A check-up also presents an opportunity to discuss any concerns or changes in your hearing ability. This way, you can enjoy your planned summer activities without anxiety. Indeed, not all summers are the same, but it’s advisable to be prepared for any situation that could hamper device performance.

Your audiologist may recommend specific features or settings on your hearing aids to enhance device performance in different environments, such as noisy outdoor gatherings or windy beach locations. There are things you may not know about your hearing aids, and an appointment before your summer travel can be an insightful experience. Doing this will allow you to ask pertinent questions and equip you with fundamental information regarding your hearing. Prioritize your hearing health this summer and embark on your travels with confidence and peace of mind.

Visit Flynn Associates for a comprehensive audiology service and personalized care for your hearing health needs. Whether planning a summer vacation or seeking guidance on hearing aids, the team of experienced audiologists can help. Schedule an appointment today; contact us at Concord: (978) 759-3540 or Wellesley: (781) 943-5040.