How Summer Sports Can Impact Your Auditory Health

Summer is a time for fun, sun, and outdoor activities. From swimming and tennis to cycling and hiking, there are countless ways to enjoy the warm weather and stay active. While summer sports bring many health benefits, they can also have a significant impact on your hearing health. Let’s explore some of the summer sports that can affect your hearing and talk about preventative measures to maintain healthy hearing while having fun.

Swimming and the Risk of Swimmer’s Ear

Swimming is a popular summer activity, but it comes with a risk of developing swimmer’s ear. Swimmer’s ear is a painful infection of the outer ear canal that occurs when water becomes trapped in the ear. This creates a humid, warm environment ideal for bacteria growth. Symptoms of swimmer’s ear include itching, redness, discomfort, and swelling, and in severe cases, can lead to hearing loss.

To prevent swimmer’s ear, take the following precautions:

• Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming using a soft towel or a hairdryer on the lowest setting.
• Use swim earplugs to keep water out of your ears while swimming, or wear a swim cap.
• Avoid swimming in polluted water, which can introduce harmful bacteria into your ears.
• See your doctor if you experience symptoms of swimmer’s ear, or if you have a history of ear infections.

Tennis and the Risk of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Tennis is a sport that takes us outside and encourages us to move fast and play with finesse. However, tennis can contribute to noise-induced hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds, such as a tennis ball hitting a racket or the ground, can damage the delicate hair cells in the ear that are responsible for hearing.

To prevent noise-induced hearing loss while playing tennis, follow these tips:

• Wear earplugs while playing to reduce the impact of loud sounds.
• Take breaks from the sport to give your ears a chance to rest and recover.
• Speak up if others around you are being too loud, and don’t be afraid to ask for a quieter space to play.
• Get regular hearing tests to monitor any potential damage caused by noise exposure.

Cycling and the Risk of Wind Noise Exposure

Cycling is another popular summer activity, but it can expose your ears to wind noise. Wind noise can cause temporary hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and long-term hearing damage, especially when the exposure is prolonged or repetitive.

To prevent wind noise exposure, consider these measures:

• Use a helmet with built-in earflaps to reduce wind noise exposure.
• Wear earplugs specifically designed for outdoor activities to reduce overall noise exposure while cycling.
• Invest in noise-canceling or earbuds designed for cycling that allow you to listen to music or take calls while keeping wind noise exposure to a minimum.

Hiking and the Risk of Loud Music

Hiking is a fantastic way to stay active and enjoy nature during the sunny summer months. However, many hikers enjoy listening to music while they hike. When listening to music at loud volumes, you’re at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss.

To prevent hearing damage while hiking, follow these tips:

• Use noise-canceling headphones or earbuds that allow you to hear without increasing the volume.
• Use volume-limiting technology to safely manage the volume of your music and reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.
• Take breaks to give your ears a chance to rest and recover.

Protective Equipment for Summer Sports

While taking preventative measures is important for maintaining healthy hearing during summer sports, wearing protective equipment can also be a big help. Here is some protective equipment to consider for specific summer sports:

• Swim earplugs: Available in silicone and foam materials, they minimize water entry into the ear canal while swimming.
• Ear-warmer headband: For cycling or any other sport that requires a helmet, it makes it easier to use earplugs by holding them in place while keeping your ears warm.
• Noise-canceling headphones: Reduce exposure to loud sounds while providing a clear and comfortable listening experience as you enjoy music or take calls.
• Custom-made earplugs: For optimal comfort and protection, they are designed to fit the unique contours of your ear canal.

The Importance of Regular Hearing Check-Ups

In addition to following precautions and using protective equipment, regular hearing check-ups with your hearing care professional can help you monitor and manage your hearing health. We can perform hearing tests, offer personalized advice, and recommend suitable hearing aids or treatment options to help you hear better. Visit us today!