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

Summer is the season of travel, with many of us packing our bags and heading out. When traveling by air or road, it is vitally important that we don’t neglect our hearing health while away; after all, poor hearing health can ruin any holiday! In this blog, we will explore how travel affects hearing health as well as tips for protecting it during our summer travels.

Avoid Loud Activities

It is essential that travelers remain mindful of their environments when traveling. Activities like concerts, amusement parks and aircraft noise can create dangerous levels of sound that could quickly damage hearing. If participating in one of these activities it would be prudent to wear some form of protection such as earplugs or headphones that help muffle sound levels around you.

Keep an Eye on the Humidity

Humidity affects more than just our hair! Ears can be especially susceptible to changes in humidity levels, leading to infections during summer travels. Try not to expose yourself to extreme temperatures or prolonged periods of high humidity as much as possible and bring along a bottle of water wherever possible – also avoid swimming in bodies of water that might contain contaminants!

Stay Hydrated

Staying properly hydrated is crucial to overall health, but especially so while traveling. Dehydration can lead to ear infections, tinnitus and other hearing issues; so be sure to pack plenty of water with you and drink throughout the day for best results. Also try not to consume caffeine and alcohol excessively as these substances dehydrate quickly.

Don’t Forget Your Hearing Care Appointment

Before departing on any summer travels, be sure to arrange an appointment with an audiologist! A professional check-up before and after summer trips can help identify any hearing problems that have developed while away. By scheduling this visit in advance, it can help protect your hearing for the remainder of this season!

Sunscreen Is Essential

Sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher sunscreen should always be worn when traveling outdoors during summer trips, regardless of where they take place. Although not directly related to our ears, too much sun exposure can damage skin which in turn causes health issues including premature hearing loss. When heading outside be sure to apply it liberally on all parts of your face, neck and ears before setting out!

Avoid Overdoing it in the Water

Swimming is one of the best summer activities available but be mindful not to overdo it with children – particularly underwater! Stay away from staying submerged for extended periods as this may cause inner ear barotrauma which could result in hearing loss and try to not submerge your head completely underwater while using headphones, as this could also cause potential damage.

Wear Ear Protection Around Loud Noises

Noisy noises can be found everywhere during the summer months, from fireworks displays at holiday celebrations to festivals and concerts. To protect our ears, it’s vital that we wear appropriate ear protection whenever possible; over-the-ear headphones or custom noise canceling earplugs are great choices here!

Giving Your Ears a Rest

While it can be easy to become lost in music and podcasts during long journeys, be wary not to overdo it! Exposing yourself to too much sound at too high a volume level could cause hearing loss. Take frequent breaks throughout your travels in order to give your ears some much-needed rest.

See a Professional

If any problems develop with your hearing during or after traveling this summer, be sure to seek medical help immediately. Audiologists are trained professionals who can diagnose and treat any potential damage that has occurred from loud noises or other environmental factors; so, the sooner treatment begins the better it will be! Also be sure to schedule at least one hearing test annually just in case any potential issues do surface.

Have Fun and Stay Safe!

At the end of the day, just remember to have fun while staying safe this summer; that includes taking steps to protect your hearing. With some precautionary steps and prescience in place, you can enjoy all that summer has to offer without regrets or worries. Don’t forget your sunblock and hat!

If you or someone you love is experiencing hearing issues, look no further than Audiology and Hearing Aid Center. Our expert audiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating any potential issues caused by loud noises, environmental factors or otherwise. Our comprehensive services include hearing tests, fitting hearing aids and evaluation of tinnitus as well as personalized guidance from experienced staff to ensure safety and well-being for our customers. For assistance call us now at (920) 486-6922!