As summer arrives with its promise of warm days, vibrant sunshine, and refreshing swims in pools, lakes, or oceans, it’s the perfect time to embrace outdoor fun. However, amidst the excitement of beach trips and poolside lounging, it’s crucial to prioritize ear care to ensure your summer remains enjoyable and free from discomfort. Our ears are sensitive, and the combination of sun exposure, water activities, and summer heat can pose unique challenges to our hearing. By following a few simple rules and easy habits, you can protect your ears and maintain their health throughout the season. Here’s an in-depth guide to summer ear care, with detailed tips to keep your ears safe while you soak up the summer fun.
Summer Ear Care Reminders
Shield Your Ears from Harmful UV Rays
The skin on and around your ears is as sensitive to burning as the rest of your skin, and prolonged sun exposure can lead to painful burns, peeling, or even long-term damage, such as skin cancer. To prevent this, make sunblock a non-negotiable part of your summer routine.
Choose the Right Sunscreen: Opt for a sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 to protect against all kinds of UV rays. Water-resistant formulas are ideal for swimming or sweating, as they remain effective for longer periods.
Application Tips: Apply sunscreen generously to the entire ear, including the tops, backs, and earlobes. Don’t forget the skin behind your ears and along the hairline, where sun exposure is common but often missed. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more if you’re swimming or sweating.
Extra Protection: While sunscreen is essential, wearing a wide-brimmed hat or a UV-protective cap can provide additional coverage. However, even with a hat, ensure sunscreen is applied to all exposed areas, as hats may not fully shield your ears from angled sunlight.
By taking these steps, you’ll safeguard your ears from sunburn, lower the risk of long-term damage, and keep them healthy and comfortable all summer long.
Keep Water Out of Your Ears
Swimming is a hallmark of summer fun, but regular exposure to water can raise the risk of ear infections, such as swimmer’s ear (otitis externa), a painful condition caused by water trapped in the ear canal. This entrapped moisture can create a breeding ground for bacteria or fungi, especially for those who swim daily or are prone to ear infections. There are effective ways to prevent water from entering your ears.
Swim Caps and Bands: A snug-fitting swim cap can create a barrier to keep water out of your ears while swimming. For targeted protection, consider a neoprene swim band, which wraps around the head and covers the ears to minimize water entry. These are especially useful for children or adults who swim frequently.
Custom Swim Plugs: For people who swim regularly or have a history of ear infections, custom-made swim plugs are a valuable investment. Made to fit the unique shape of your ear canal, they provide a watertight seal. Visit with an audiologist or ENT specialist to have swim plugs professionally fitted. Over-the-counter earplugs designed for swimming are also an option, but ensure they fit securely to prevent water seepage.
Ear Drops for Prevention: After swimming, consider using over-the-counter ear drops designed to prevent swimmer’s ear. These usually contain a mixture of alcohol and acetic acid, which helps dry out residual water and maintain an acidic environment in the ear canal, discouraging bacterial growth.
By proactively keeping water out of your ears, you can help lessen the risk of infections and enjoy worry-free swims all summer.
Dry Your Ears Thoroughly After Swimming
Even with preventive measures, some water may still enter your ears during swimming. Leaving moisture in the ear canal can lead to irritation, infections, or discomfort. Properly drying your ears is a crucial step in summer ear care.
Towel Drying: After swimming, gently dry the outer ear and surrounding skin with a clean, dry towel.
Head Tilting: To remove water trapped in the ear canal, tilt your head to each side, allowing gravity to help drain the water out.
Use a Hairdryer (with Caution): If water remains in your ears, you can use a hairdryer on the lowest heat and speed setting to gently dry the ear canal. Hold the dryer at least 12 inches away from your ear to avoid burns or discomfort.
Drying Ear Drops: As mentioned earlier, over-the-counter drying drops can help evaporate residual water in the ear canal. These are particularly useful for frequent swimmers or those prone to ear infections.
Consistently drying your ears after water exposure helps prevent moisture-related issues and keeps your ears healthy throughout the summer.
Avoid Inserting Objects into Your Ears
One of the most important ear care rules is to avoid inserting objects into your ear canal. This includes cotton swabs (like Q-tips), hairpins, or any other tools often used in an attempt to clean the ears or relieve itching.
Why It’s Harmful: Inserting objects into the ear canal can push earwax, debris, or even small amounts of water deeper toward the eardrum, potentially causing blockages, irritation, or infections.
Earwax’s Role: Used by the body to trap dust, bacteria, and other particles, earwax (cerumen) usually leaves the ear canal on its own, so manual removal is rarely necessary. If you suspect excessive earwax buildup or a blockage, consult a healthcare professional for safe removal rather than attempting it yourself.
Safe Cleaning Practices: To clean your ears, focus on the outer ear and the surrounding skin. Use a damp cloth to wipe the external ear, and avoid inserting objects inside the ear canal.
By resisting the urge to insert objects into your ears, you’ll protect the delicate structures of the ear canal and eardrum, lowering the risk of complications.
Watch for Signs of Ear Problems
Even with the best preventive measures, ear issues can sometimes arise during the summer. Being aware of potential symptoms allows you to address problems early and seek professional care when needed.
Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear: Look out for signs such as ear pain (especially when touching or pulling the ear), itching, redness, swelling, or discharge from the ear canal. A feeling of fullness or muffled hearing may also indicate an issue.
When to Seek Help: If you experience persistent pain, hearing loss, or discharge, consult a healthcare provider promptly. Early intervention is important in preventing complications from untreated ear infections.
Regular Checkups: If you or your child are frequent swimmers or have a history of ear problems, consider scheduling a checkup with an ENT specialist before the summer season begins. They can assess your ear health and recommend personalized preventive strategies.
Enjoy a Safe and Fun Summer
For additional resources or personalized advice, consider consulting with an audiologist or ENT specialist, especially if you have a history of ear issues. Stay proactive, stay safe, and enjoy a summer filled with worry-free fun!
