Summer is filled with activities that bring people together—barbecues, pool parties, fireworks, music festivals, and vacations. But while we soak up the sun and enjoy the noise, it’s easy to forget that our ears need protection too. Seasonal activities can expose you to water, noise, and pressure changes that can strain your ears and lead to lasting hearing damage if not addressed.
Let’s begin with a summer classic: swimming. Time in the pool or at the beach may feel harmless, but it’s one of the leading causes of outer ear infections in warmer months. Swimmer’s ear is an infection that develops when water remains trapped in the ear canal, allowing bacteria to thrive. Preventing this is easier than it sounds—wear swim plugs when in the water and make sure to dry your ears completely afterward. Avoid inserting anything into your ears, such as cotton swabs, as these can actually push moisture further in. If you wear hearing aids, remember to remove and store them in a dry, secure case before heading into the water.
Loud summer events are another concern. Between outdoor concerts, parades, and sporting events, your ears may be subjected to sounds well above safe listening levels. When volumes exceed 85 decibels—the level of a busy street or lawn mower—hearing damage can occur over time. High-fidelity earplugs are a great solution. They lower volume while preserving sound quality, letting you enjoy the show without putting your ears at risk. Positioning yourself away from the speakers and stepping out for quiet breaks can also help limit exposure.
Fireworks may be fun to watch, but they can be dangerously loud. With noise levels reaching up to 150 decibels, even brief exposure at close range can cause permanent hearing loss. To protect yourself, watch from a safe distance of at least 500 feet and use protective earmuffs, especially for children. It’s best to leave the firework handling to professionals and enjoy public displays instead of lighting your own.
Traveling this summer? Changes in elevation, cabin pressure on flights, and noisy transit areas like airports or train stations can all affect your hearing. Use pressure-reducing earplugs during air travel and make sure your hearing aids are charged and safely stored during long trips.
Lastly, listen to what your ears are telling you. If you notice signs like ringing, sensitivity to sound, or dull hearing after a summer activity, don’t wait to get it checked out. These may be early signs of hearing damage or infection.
A mid-year hearing evaluation can provide peace of mind and help you make the most of summer. Schedule your appointment today and enjoy a safer, sound-filled season.
Thomas Caruso is a second-generation, Nationally Board Certified Hearing Healthcare Dispensing Practitioner with over 40 years of experience serving patients in both New York and Pennsylvania. Specializing in adult hearing care, he earned his National Board Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences in 1988.
Throughout his distinguished career, Thomas has not only provided exceptional patient care but has also contributed to the advancement of the hearing healthcare field. He has served as an educator and consultant to many of the nation’s leading hearing aid manufacturers, retailers and laboratories, sharing his knowledge and expertise to help shape best practices within the profession. His work has taken him across the United States and Canada.
Born and raised in Jamestown, New York—where he continues to reside with his family—Thomas has been a dedicated member of the International Hearing Society since 1984 and is actively involved in the Hearing Healthcare Alliance of New York State. His commitment to the profession, combined with his decades of experience, has made him a trusted and respected leader in hearing healthcare.
