Sunburn isn’t the only hazard in the summer. Summer conditions and activities can also put you at risk of ear problems, ranging from earaches to ear infections to hearing loss. At South Valley Ear Nose & Throat – West Jordan, we want you to enjoy your summer to the fullest, so be proactive about these common summer hazards.
Heat
Our bodies are complex networks; everything is interconnected. When we’re out in extreme heat conditions, it can have effects on the whole body. In its attempts to cool down, your body will use up its water resources, leading to dehydration. Dehydration, in turn, leads to diminished cardiovascular capability, and many of your organs and muscles may need to work harder due to the decreased water supply. This includes your ears and auditory system.
Additionally, heat can lead to increased earwax production. Earwax occurs naturally in the ear and usually falls out on its own, but if there’s an excess of earwax in the ear, buildup may occur, which can lead to earache, a perforated eardrum or conductive hearing loss.
Prevent ear issues by staying cool and hydrated. Carry a water bottle with you everywhere. You should aim to drink two and a half liters of water every day during warmer months.
Dust
As moisture evaporates from the ground, the air gets dustier. You may be surprised to learn that this dust can affect your ears. The ears are closely connected to your respiratory system, especially your nose and throat (that’s why ENT specialists focus on the ear, nose and throat as a system). Your upper airways connect to the middle ear via the Eustachian tubes, which control fluid drainage and air pressure within the ears.
Dust can cause irritation and inflammation in the nose and sinuses. That inflammation can pinch the Eustachian tubes shut, rendering them unable to open and perform their function. This will cause feelings of fullness or pressure in the ear, temporary hearing changes and a risk of fluid buildup and ear infection.
Prevent these issues by avoiding inhaling dust whenever possible. Wear a mask on windy, dusty days and consider cleaning your sinuses out with a saline nasal spray if you’ve been out in dusty conditions.
Moisture
Getting water stuck in your ear after a day playing in the pool or at the beach can be quite unpleasant. Worse still, water trapped in the ear canal creates the perfect conditions for bacteria to grow: warm, moist and dark. This can lead to infection.
You can prevent swimmer’s ear by wearing earplugs or a swim cap whenever you’re in the water to keep water out of your ears and drying your ears thoroughly after every dip in the water. If you feel water stuck in the ear canal, try to drain it out by tilting your head and pulling on your earlobe or laying your head down on a towel.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you do develop an earache or ear infection, often the condition will resolve itself without medical intervention. However, if you notice any of these signs, it might be time to call the doctor:
- Severe pain
- Sleep disruption
- Fever
- Swelling
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Blood or pus leaking from the ear
- Changes to hearing
If you experience any of these, our team of ENTs and audiologists at South Valley Ear Nose & Throat – West Jordan are here to help. Call us today to discuss your symptoms and make an appointment.