Simple Summer Habits to Protect Your Hearing, as Live at the Marquee's Cork Season Draws to a Close
Hidden Hearing is urging people to protect their ears and hearing aids this summer, from festivals to flights, as Cork's Concert season nears its end.
With Live at the Marquee's concert run finished and only Kevin Bridges' two comedy nights left before the season wraps up, Hidden Hearing is reminding people that summer heat, water and noise can take a toll on ears and hearing aids just as much as skin and eyes.
Ireland's largest hearing care provider says that while sunscreen, sunglasses and hats are usually top of mind before a day outdoors, the impact of humidity, moisture and busy summer schedules on hearing health is often overlooked.
Sarah Sheehan, Chief Audiologist at Hidden Hearing, said:
"Summer is a wonderful time to get outdoors and enjoy social activities, but it's also a season when hearing aids and ears can face additional challenges. Heat, humidity, water exposure and loud environments can all affect hearing health, so taking a few preventative steps can make a significant difference."
For hearing aid wearers, Sheehan recommends five habits over the summer months:
- Removing hearing aids before swimming or showering
- Wiping devices daily to remove sweat, sunscreen and dust
- Using a drying case overnight to prevent moisture build-up
- Avoiding direct sunlight and never leaving hearing aids in hot cars
- Packing spare batteries and cleaning tools when travelling
A small hearing aid care kit, including cleaning brushes, wax removal tools and a drying system, is also worth keeping on hand through the season.
Hearing health isn't limited to hearing aid wearers, though. Flying can bring pressure changes that cause discomfort or blocked ears; swallowing, yawning, chewing gum and staying hydrated can help. After swimming, water trapped in the ear raises the risk of irritation or infection, so gently drying ears and letting water drain naturally is advised.
At concerts and festivals, prolonged exposure to high noise levels is a common risk, and taking listening breaks, standing further from speakers and using ear protection can help prevent damage. With Cork's Live at the Marquee having hosted a summer of major gigs before this weekend's comedy shows, it's a timely reminder for anyone who spent evenings near the stage this season. Heat and humidity can also increase earwax production, and Hidden Hearing advises against cotton buds, recommending professional help if ears feel blocked.
Hidden Hearing operates 85 clinics nationwide and carries out more than 60,000 free hearing tests each year. More information is available at hiddenhearing.ie or by calling 1800 818 808.
