Your summer should be full of memories, not worries about hearing loss. As the temperatures in Tucson, AZ rise, we are headed into a season of swimming, yardwork, and motorcycling—all of which can affect your hearing health.
As a trusted audiologist in Tucson, I tend to hear a lot of the same questions from patients this time of year. So, I thought I would answer them here to help you have a safe and happy summer! Let’s dive into five of my most frequently asked hearing care questions… summer edition. ☀️
Question #1 – Do I need earplugs just to mow the lawn?
Yep, you do. While some aspects of yardwork like gardening or pulling weeds may be peaceful, firing up that mower, edger, or trimmer can expose your ears to dangerous noise levels. For context, lawnmowers can range from 85 to 95 decibels or even higher. Anything above 85 is considered harmful, and the maximum daily exposure for anything above 95 decibels is only one hour. Chances are, it takes you more than one hour to mow the lawn.
Even short windows of exposure to that kind of sound can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. You should always protect your ears just like you protect your skin from the sun! Make hearing protection part of your regular routine. There are options out there that are a lot more comfortable than foam plugs—like custom earplugs available through your local Tucson audiologist. If you’ll happily use them, they’re worth the investment.
Question #2 – Do I have Swimmer’s Ear or a regular ear infection?
Swimming is a great way to cool off and have fun, but ear pain can put a quick stop to that fun. Two common culprits of ear discomfort are Otitis Externa and Otitis Media.
Otitis Externa, also known as Swimmer’s Ear, is when moisture gets trapped in the outer ear, leading to pain when the ear is tugged, itchiness, inflammation, or even drainage.
Otitis Media, on the other hand, is a middle ear infection typically caused by a cold or sinus infection. It may come with fever, ear pain, and temporary hearing changes, and while it’s more common in kids, adults can get it too.
If something feels off with your ears, it’s best not to wait it out. As your local audiologist in Tucson, we’re here to help identify what’s going on and guide you toward the right ear infection treatment or hearing care solution.
Question #3 – Can motorcycles damage my hearing even with a helmet?
You bet. Motorcycles can reach anywhere from 80 to 110 decibels, especially on the highway. That’s a lot of sound for your ears to handle, sometimes for hours at a time. Prolonged exposure at those levels can put your hearing at risk—even if it doesn’t feel all that bothersome in the moment. That’s why motorcycle hearing protection is so important.
Foam or custom earplugs worn under your helmet can help protect your hearing while still allowing you to hear important sounds like traffic and sirens. If you wear hearing aids, turn on a wind noise reduction program, lower the volume, or even remove them if you’re using earplugs and don’t need the extra amplification. Small steps like these can make a big difference in protecting your long-term hearing health.
Question #4 – Is it okay to wear my hearing aids on a boat?
Absolutely, as long as you plan ahead. For example, if it’s windy or noisy while the boat is in motion, you can use the mute button or switch to a wind reduction program on your hearing aids to stay comfortable and avoid overwhelming noise. If you’re expecting big splashes or planning to swim, it’s best to stash your hearing aids in a waterproof hearing aid case when they’re not in use.
Another great tip to keep your hearing aids safe is to use clips or retention bands so they can’t fall out of your ears and into the water. If they do end up getting wet, put them in rice or give us a call at our Tucson audiology clinic, and we can use our professional hearing aid dehumidifier to try to bring them back to life.
Question #5 – Why is it hard to hear my friends on the golf course?
Golf may be relaxing, but it’s not as quiet as you would think—especially if it’s windy. Plus, the distance and open spaces can make it tough to carry on a conversation during the game.
We recommend trying a wind-noise reduction program, either through your hearing aid app or set up by our team. Another tip? Face your buddies when you’re chatting. This makes lip reading easier, which can help fill in some of the gaps in conversation.
If you’re having trouble hearing friends or background noise is a problem, it may be time for a hearing checkup or hearing aid adjustment.
Don’t Let Hearing Issues Steal Your Sunshine
No matter how you like to enjoy the season, taking small steps to protect your hearing can go a long way. Whether it’s custom earplugs, hearing aid adjustments, or simply knowing when to hit mute, we’re here to help you get the most out of your summer.
Schedule a hearing consultation today with our friendly team of audiologists at Sonora Hearing Care in Tucson. We’ll help you protect your hearing and enjoy every sound of summer—safely and clearly!