It’s time for spring break! After you wrap up your midterms, you get to spend a week relaxing and having fun without having to worry about your classes. Whether you’re flying out for a vacation or enjoying some time in El Paso, it’s crucial to take hearing protection into account during your planning.
Spring Break Hearing Risks
Loud noise exposure is one of the most common causes of permanent hearing loss and tinnitus. During spring break, you may encounter unsafe noise levels in settings like concerts, parties and festivals.
Along with loud environments, it’s also important to be aware of conditions that can temporarily muffle your hearing. One issue you may be more prone to during spring break is swimmer’s ear.
Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal. It typically arises when water gets trapped in the ear canal. If you’re planning to spend a lot of time hanging out in the pool, you need to keep an eye out for signs of swimmer’s ear, including:
- Pain or itchiness in the ear
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Muffled hearing
- Redness or swelling of the outer ear
- Swollen lymph nodes around the ear
- Fever
Caring for Your Hearing Over Spring Break
Take the following steps to protect your hearing aids without stopping your spring break fun:
- Wear earplugs. Earplugs dampen the force of sound hitting your ears. Throw a pair in your purse or pockets if you’re going to a concert or festival to limit potential hearing damage. Earplugs are also a great option for preventing swimmer’s ear. By keeping water out of your ears while swimming, you’ll reduce the risk of infection.
- Turn down the volume. If you’re throwing or attending a party, lower the music to a safe volume of below 85 decibels. Not only will lowering the volume protect your ears, but it will also allow you to talk to your friends without unnecessary shouting.
- Swim in clean water. The water in lakes and rivers isn’t filtered, which may increase your risk of an ear infection. If you’re planning on putting your head underwater, pools offer a safer alternative.
By following the above tips, you can enjoy your spring break without worrying about your hearing and ear health. To learn more about protecting your hearing, contact Tinnitus & Hearing Experts today.