6 Essential Hearing Care Tips for the Summer

CARP RECOMMENDED PARTNER SPONSORED CONTENT

Beware of loud music concerts

Open-air concerts are one of the joys of summer. Although the music is not inside four walls, it can still generate high volume levels that can lead to hearing damage. If you need to shout so other people can hear you, your hearing is in danger. Take frequent breaks from high sound levels to reduce your continuous exposure.

Also, consider hearing protection like disposable earplugs. They are affordable and effective, and are a common sight at even the wildest music festivals.

Direct heat and hearing aids don’t go together

In severe heat, the plastic casing of hearing aids can melt. Keep your hearing aids out of direct sunlight, especially when you are not wearing them. You should also avoid leaving them anywhere that might get hot, such as in a car or on a window ledge.

Reduce ear discomfort while flying

Flying can bring discomfort in the ears and head which is caused by unequal air pressure. Your ears usually ‘pop’ when the pressure equalizes. However, if the air pressure can’t equalize due to a blockage in the ears or air passages in the head, the discomfort can be much worse. Blockages can be caused by earwax, inflammation, or a common cold.

If you have ear problems when you’re on the plane, try chewing gum or sucking on a sweet to get your jaw moving and the air passages opening.

Watch out for water

Swimmer’s ear is an ear infection caused by bacteria usually in water or soil. Your risk of swimmer’s ear increases if you are swimming in water with high bacteria levels. Those who have a narrow ear canal or those who wear headphones and/or hearing aids are also at an increased risk. Swimmer’s ear can cause hearing loss, so make sure you keep your ears clean and be mindful of the liquids that are going in your ear. Remember not to be abrasive when cleaning your ears to avoid, irritating/rupturing the skin, thus increasing the likelihood of an infection.

Also watch out for water and sand if you have hearing aids

It’s best to try to keep your hearing aids dry because any moisture inside can affect the battery’s electrical contacts, preventing your hearing aids from working.

Secondly, when you are at the beach, it’s very important to keep all hearing aids safe, dry and away from sand. If they get saltwater inside them, it can dry and leave behind salt crystals that can affect how your hearing aids work. This can also lead to corrosion.

Finally, if your hearing instruments do get wet, allow proper ventilation by opening the battery drawers. You should also consider getting a hearing aid dryer.

Keep sunscreen off your hearing aids

It’s always a good idea to put sunscreen on your skin in the summer, but mind your hearing aids. Like many types of plastic, the outer shells of hearing aids can be affected by some of the chemicals that are commonly found in cosmetic and skincare products. Take off your hearing aids when applying sunscreen. Then, put your hearing aids back on after you’ve cleaned off your hands.

Don’t lower your guard on your hearing health. If you think you may have hearing loss, or if you have questions and would like to consult a hearing professional with a free, no obligation appointment, click here or call 1-888-537-9282.


CARP members save additional 10% off the regular price or limited-time promotional price of select hearing aids sold at HearingLife and our national affiliated partners, proud sponsors of the Campaign for Better Hearing, and earn up to 2,000 AIR MILES® reward miles with their purchase!

 

CARP_Recommended_Logo