3 Tips for Healthy Ears this Summer

Summer is great for getting out and having fun, the weather and more relaxed schedule make it the perfect time for swimming, exploring the outdoors, going to concerts and other special events, and much more. There are also a host of lists and articles about all of the precautions you should be taking when enjoying all of these fun summer activities. After all, nothing says "summer fun" like a cautionary tale about being a little too close to the fireworks. With that said, we'd like to take a minute to talk about how to protect something that you probably didn't even think was at risk during any of these activities: your ears. It's true, summer fun can present lots of hazards to your ears and your hearing, but we're here to help with some practical ways to keep your ears healthy this summer!

Lather Them Up
It's easy to forget that your ears can actually burn faster than other parts of your face, so a little dab of sunscreen can go a long way in keeping your ears from getting fried by the sun. After you've applied all that sunscreen, throw on a hat with a brim that goes all the way around for an extra bit of protection.

Shake & Dry
Swimmer's Ear is one of the most common ear issues during the summer, the bacteria in the water that gets trapped in your ear could lead to a nasty ear infection. Be sure to dry your ears properly with a towel and tilt your head from side to side while drying after swimming (or even showering) to help avoid this uncomfortable situation.

Beware Loud Noises
If you find yourself at a concert, at a fireworks display, or even using headphones frequently, you need to take precautions to protect your hearing. Simple steps like wearing earplugs and other forms of protection, keeping a safe distance from sound equipment (speakers, etc.) and fireworks, as well as keeping your devices at a reasonable volume can all help to preserve your hearing in loud situations.

Your ears are delicate and very important, so taking a few precautionary measures to keep them safe and healthy are well worth it in the long run. If you are concerned about the state of your ears or your hearing, give Ashford Clinic a call today at 706-248-6860 or Request an Appointment.