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Summer brings the promise of sunshine, family vacations, and outdoor fun. From Fourth of July fireworks to days spent at the community pool, the season is packed with memorable experiences. While you’re busy slathering on sunscreen and packing snacks, it’s also a great time to think about another important part of your family’s health: their hearing, and how it relates to hearing aid batteries in heat. The sounds of summer can be wonderful, but some can also be surprisingly loud and potentially damaging without the right precautions.
Summer Sounds and Hearing Safety
Many classic summer activities come with a lot of noise. Outdoor concerts, parades with marching bands, and even weekly lawn mowing can expose your family’s ears to potentially harmful sound levels. Health professionals say that being around sounds over 85 decibels for too long (about as loud as a busy city street) can damage hearing over time. A fireworks display can hit 150 decibels, so protection is essential.
It’s easy to protect your ears from loud sounds with a few simple steps. For young children, get a good pair of noise-canceling earmuffs. They’re comfortable and easy for kids to wear during loud events. For older kids and adults, foam or silicone earplugs are an effective and inexpensive choice. It also helps to teach your kids about safe listening habits, like taking breaks from noise and staying a safe distance from sound sources like speakers.
Common Summer Hearing Challenges
Beyond loud noises, summer brings a few other unique challenges for ear health. Swimmer’s ear is a common and painful infection of the outer ear canal. It often happens when water stays in the ear after swimming, creating a moist environment where bacteria can grow. To prevent it, encourage your kids to gently dry their ears with a towel after getting out of the pool or lake. Using earplugs made for swimming can also help keep water out.
Seasonal allergies can also play a role. Pollen and other allergens can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, which might lead to muffled hearing or a feeling of fullness. If your child struggles with allergies, managing their symptoms with guidance from your pediatrician can also help protect their hearing. Keeping hearing protection for summer activities means thinking about more than just how loud things are.
Keeping Hearing Aids Working in Warm Weather
For family members who use hearing aids, summer’s heat and humidity bring extra concerns. Moisture from sweat or a sudden downpour can damage the delicate electronic parts inside a hearing aid. It’s a good idea to store hearing aids in a waterproof case when you’re at the beach or pool. You might also notice that batteries don’t last as long. This is because the zinc-air batteries that power many devices are activated by air, and humidity can interfere with that process.
Easy Maintenance Tips for Busy Moms
Keeping hearing aids in top shape during the summer doesn’t have to be a complicated chore. A simple daily routine can make a huge difference.
- Wipe them down: At the end of each day, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the hearing aids. This removes any sweat, oils, or debris.
- Use a dehumidifier: A hearing aid dehumidifier or drying jar is a great investment. Just place the devices in the container overnight to draw out any moisture that has built up.
- Check the batteries: Open the battery door at night to help air circulate and prevent moisture buildup. This also helps save battery life. Make sure to have extra batteries on hand, especially when traveling.
- Store them safely: When not in use, keep hearing aids in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Never leave them in a hot car.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While you can handle most minor issues at home, there are times when it’s best to talk to a professional. If your child complains of ear pain, ringing in their ears (tinnitus), or a sudden change in their hearing, it’s important to see your pediatrician or an audiologist. For hearing aid users, if you notice persistent problems like feedback, distorted sound, or the device not turning on even with a fresh battery, it’s time to schedule a check-up with your hearing care provider. They can perform a thorough cleaning and check for any technical problems.
Protecting your family’s hearing health allows everyone to fully enjoy the vibrant sounds of the season. A little awareness and a few simple habits can ensure a summer filled with happy and healthy memories.