Summer is here, and with it comes a host of outdoor activities that can be both fun and dangerous for your ears. As a hearing clinic in Swindon, we see many patients who have suffered hearing loss due to exposure to loud noises during summer activities. Whether you're enjoying a day at the beach, a concert, or a fireworks display, it's important to protect your ears from the loud noises that can cause permanent damage. 

In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at how you can protect your ears during summer activities by properly managing wax build-up and using appropriate hearing protection. We will also provide some tips for recognising early signs of hearing loss and when to schedule a hearing appointment with our clinic.

How to Protect Your Ears from Swimming and Loud Noises During Summer

Swimming

Swimming is a fun and refreshing summer activity, but it can have adverse effects on your ears. The water in the pool or ocean can cause moisture to build up in the ear canal, leading to an infection commonly known as swimmer's ear.

To protect your ears while swimming, wear earplugs made of silicone or wax that fit securely in your ears. In addition to using earplugs, it’s essential to dry your ears thoroughly after swimming to avoid excess wax build-up. Use a soft towel or tilt your head to each side to allow any excess water to drain out. Avoid using cotton swabs or other objects that can push the moisture further into the ear canal.

Concerts and music festivals

Concerts and music festivals are a staple of summer activities, but they can also be dangerous for your ears. One way to protect your ears is to wear hearing protection products. All our hearing protection products comply with the latest British Standards and are made using medical grade silicone to ensure optimum comfort.

Another way to protect yourself is by taking breaks from loud noise. Find a quiet area away from the stage. This gives your ears a chance to rest and recover before being exposed to more loud sounds. Lastly, consider investing in noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs.

Fireworks displays

If you plan on attending fireworks shows this summer, it's essential to take steps to protect your ears. One way to do this is by wearing noise-cancelling headphones, earplugs, or earmuffs during the display. You can also get in touch to hear more about our noise protection products which comply with British Standards and made with premium medical grade silicone. 

Another thing to keep in mind is the distance from the fireworks themselves. The closer you are to the source of the sound, the higher risk there is for damage to occur. Try to keep a safe distance from where the fireworks are being launched or find an area with less intense sound levels.

Motorsports events

Motorsports events are an exciting way to spend your summer, but they can also be quite loud. The sounds of revving engines and screeching tires can reach dangerous decibel levels, so protecting your ears during these events is crucial. One option is to wear earplugs specifically designed for motorsports. These earplugs are made from materials that block out harmful noise while allowing you to hear important sounds like emergency sirens.

Another way to protect your ears during motorsports events is by wearing noise protection products such as noise-cancelling headphones. If you plan on attending multiple motorsports events throughout the summer, investing in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones may be worth considering. Lastly, consider stepping away from the action for short periods to give your ears a break.

Riding a plane

When it comes to summer activities, many people forget to consider protecting their ears during plane rides. The pressure changes that occur during take-off and landing can cause discomfort or even pain in the ears. To minimise these effects, there are a few things you can do.

Firstly, chewing gum or swallowing frequently can help equalise the pressure in your ears. Additionally, using earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones on flights can help prevent damage to your hearing caused by prolonged exposure to aeroplane noise.

Mowing the lawn and using power tools

When it comes to outdoor activities during the summer, mowing the lawn and using power tools are common tasks that can put your hearing at risk. To protect yourself, wear noise protective gear such as earmuffs or earplugs while operating these machines. Additionally, try to limit the time you spend using power tools or mowing the lawn in one sitting. Regular breaks can allow your ears to rest and recover from exposure to loud noises.

Lastly, consider investing in quieter equipment if possible. Many newer models of lawnmowers and power tools have advanced technology that significantly reduces noise levels without compromising performance.

Tips for Recognising Early Signs of Hearing Loss

Here are some signs to look out for:

•   Pay attention to the volume of your television or music system. If you frequently turn up the volume, it is a sign that you may be experiencing hearing loss.
•   Difficulty in understanding speech or having conversations in noisy environments like restaurants
•   Ringing or buzzing noises in your ears
•   As we age, our ability to hear high-frequency sounds declines first, so if you struggle to hear birds singing or phones ringing, this could be an early warning sign.
•   Straining to hear and understand people over the phone

If you notice any combination of the above starting to impact your daily life regularly, it's essential to search for ‘hearing clinics near me’ and make an appointment with an audiologist as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment options.

When to Schedule an Appointment with Swindon Hearing Specialists

Scheduling regular appointments with your audiologist is crucial for maintaining good ear health and preventing further damage. Don't wait until symptoms become unbearable; early detection and treatment can often prevent irreversible hearing loss.

Here’s when to schedule an appointment with us:

•   If you are experiencing hearing loss
•   If you're finding it difficult to hear conversations, sounds, or music that once sounded clear and loud
•   If you’re experiencing tinnitus or ringing in your ears, which can be particularly distressing when trying to sleep at night
•   If you've recently experienced trauma to the head or ears, such as a concussion or exposure to loud noise for extended periods without proper hearing protection

Invest in Hearing Protection and Your Hearing Health

Swindon Hearing Specialists offers a comprehensive range of hearing health services to help you address any hearing concerns and maintain healthy hearing for years to come. Whether you’re looking for ‘ear wax removal near me’ or other hearing services, our team can assist. Contact Swindon Hearing Specialists today to schedule a consultation.