When the warm weather arrives, we all have the same thoughts on our minds: getaways to the coast, endless afternoons by the pool, and that crazy desire to enjoy our free time. However, we often focus so much on applying sunscreen or moisturizing that we left our ears in oblivionforgetting that they are extremely sensitive to environmental changes during the summer season.
The reality is that summer brings with it a series of factors, such as constant humidity and exposure to loud noises, which can take their toll. From a bothersome infection that forces us to stop swimming to irreversible damage from noise, take a few basic precautions It's the key to making our holidays truly relaxing and not ending in an urgent visit to the doctor.
The danger of humidity: Swimmer's ear
The most common phenomenon at this time of year is otitis externa, popularly known as otitis externa. swimmer's earThis infection affects the skin of the external auditory canal and occurs because accumulated water, combined with high temperatures, creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. fungi and bacteria proliferate uncontrolled.
Some people are more prone to this problem, such as those with very narrow ear canals or those with chronic eczema. Water quality also plays a significant role; a clean sea is not the same as a polluted one. swimming pool with poor hygiene levels or contaminated water that can introduce dangerous germs into the ear.
On the other hand, we have otitis media, which, although more common in winter due to colds, also appears in summer. This affects the cavities behind the eardrum and is often linked to sudden temperature changes or the practice of diving, where pressure variations can play tricks on you, especially in children because their Eustachian tube is shorter and more horizontal.
Effective tricks to avoid infections
To avoid being caught off guard, the simplest and most effective thing to do is Keep your ears dry. After each dip, a very useful technique is to tilt your head to the side so that the water drains out by gravity and gently dry with a towel, avoiding at all costs inserting foreign objects.
- Use of custom-made earplugs: They are highly recommended for those with a perforated eardrum, who use ear tubes, or who have suffered from recurrent ear infections in past summers. Hypoallergenic silicone earplugs are the best option.
- Drying solutions: In people without a perforated eardrum, applying boric acid-based drops can help eliminate residual moisture.
- Neoprene bands: Especially for young children, these bands help prevent earplugs from falling out and protect the ear from cold wind.
A critical point is cleanliness. It must be made clear that Cotton swabs are prohibited.Instead of cleaning, they push the earwax further in, compacting it and making it easier for water to get trapped, which can cause blockages or even accidental perforations of the eardrum.
Watch out for the decibels: Concerts and events
Summer is the season for festivals, local celebrations, and nightclubs. The problem is that sound levels at these events often range between 95 and 115 decibels, far exceeding the 85 dB limit recommended by the WHO. Prolonged exposure to these levels can cause irreversible hearing damage or cause tinnitus (those annoying ringing sounds).
It's not just concerts that are dangerous; activities like riding motorcycles, using lawnmowers, or even fireworks can reach critical levels. To enjoy yourself safely, it's best to use [the appropriate safety equipment/equipment]. Noise-canceling earplugs with filter, which reduce the volume without distorting the music, allowing us to hear the sound quality while protecting the inner ear.
If you use headphones during your travels or walks, remember to apply the 60/60 ruleDo not exceed 60% of the maximum volume and do not use them for more than 60 minutes continuously. Opting for over-ear headphones (those that cover the entire ear) is generally healthier than in-ear headphones, especially if you are looking for Tech gifts for children and teenagers that are safe.
Travel and pressure changes
When we fly or scuba dive, we experience sudden changes in atmospheric pressure. This can cause a feeling of fullness in the ear or sharp pain because air has difficulty entering or leaving the middle ear. To combat this, it is very useful chewing gum, yawning, or swallowing saliva during takeoff and landing.
If you feel very congested from a cold, it's best to avoid diving or use decongestant drops before flying, as mucus makes it difficult for the Eustachian tube to regulate pressure. In extreme cases, you can try the maneuver of pinching your nose and gently blowing to clear it. balance internal pressure.
Special care for hearing aid users
Those who use hearing aids must take extra precautions, as sweat, sand, and humidity are natural enemies of electronics. This is essential. store the headphones in their cases and avoid using them while in the pool. Also, it's advisable to dry them carefully after each day of intense heat.
It's normal for earwax production to increase in high temperatures. If you notice itching, pressure, or a sudden loss of hearing, the smartest thing to do is seek a professional check-upEarly diagnosis of otitis externa allows for much faster treatment and prevents the problem from becoming chronic.
Taking care of our hearing doesn't mean giving up on having fun, but rather doing it sensibly. Simply drying our ears thoroughly, avoiding cotton swabs, using ear protection at noisy events, and knowing how to manage pressure changes while traveling will ensure our hearing remains intact. Prevention is the most effective way to keep a simple infection from ruining our days off.