Summer means splashing about in the pool, afternoons at the park, camps and family festivals. For our little ones, it’s pure fun. But it also brings hidden risks for their hearing: water, noise and sudden changes in environment can lead to ear infections, discomfort and hearing loss if we don’t take precautions.
As a hearing care specialist, I often see how summer is a season when consultations for ear discomfort go up, especially among children. Infections, blockages, discomfort from water or from excessive noise. The good news is that all of this can be prevented with a few very simple measures and, above all, with good information. That’s why in this article I want to share the key points for looking after little ones’ ears during summer, without them having to give up any of their favourite activities.
Water and ears: a combination to watch
One of the biggest risks to ears in summer is constant contact with water. Whether it’s in the pool, at the beach, or even from frequent showers, prolonged moisture in the ear canal can encourage outer ear infections, also known as “swimmer’s ear”. This inflammation is usually caused by bacteria or fungi that thrive in a warm, damp environment.
In children, this type of infection is especially common because their ear canal is shorter and more sensitive. Swimmer’s ear usually causes pain, itching, a blocked-ear feeling and even minor discharge. If it’s not treated in time, it can drag on longer than you’d like and get in the way of enjoying their summer activities.
To prevent this kind of infection, I recommend drying the ears well after every swim, avoiding cotton buds, and above all, using custom-made swimming earplugs. These are specifically designed to seal the ear without causing pressure or discomfort. They’re reusable, comfortable, and a very effective solution both for children who’ve had previous ear infections and for those who spend a lot of time in the water.
Noise and play: another hidden enemy
Noise is another big feature of summer. Although we don’t usually associate it with hearing problems in children, the truth is that in playgrounds, fairs, camps or local festivities, sound levels can go above 85 decibels. This exposure, if prolonged or repeated, can affect little ones’ hearing. And what’s most concerning is that we often don’t notice it until the damage is already done.
Children are also more sensitive to noise because their hearing system is still developing. Excessive volume can cause listening fatigue, discomfort, irritability, or even ringing in the ears (tinnitus). That’s why, at especially noisy events like concerts, local festivals or fairground rides, it’s essential to use hearing protection. Nowadays there are earplugs specifically designed for children, sized to fit them, with acoustic filters that lower the volume without removing the perception of sound. There are also headband-style protective earmuffs, very useful for longer events or ones with particularly intense sound. What matters is teaching children that protecting their ears isn’t a punishment, but a way of looking after themselves so they can keep enjoying things without discomfort.
Hearing care at summer camps
Camps are an unforgettable experience for children, but they can also be a demanding environment for their ears. Group activities, shared showers, nights outdoors, or a lack of control over ear hygiene mean some children come back with discomfort or hearing symptoms they didn’t have before.
So if your child is going to camp, I recommend putting together a small ear-care routine with them. Pack a bag with swimming earplugs, a small cloth to dry their ears well, clear instructions on what to do if they notice itching or pain, and, if they wear hearing aids, a case with a dehumidifying system, spare parts and cleaning instructions.
It’s also a good idea to mention to the camp staff if the child has a history of ear infections or hearing sensitivity, so they can keep an eye out if any discomfort comes up during their stay. At larger camps, there’s often medical staff on hand who can carry out an initial assessment if needed.
Extra care if your child wears hearing aids
For children who already wear hearing aids, summer can bring an extra challenge. Heat, humidity or sweat can affect how the device works, causing intermittent faults, reduced volume, or even damage to internal components if it isn’t properly protected.
My advice is to step up daily cleaning, keep the hearing aid away from water, and use a specific dehumidifier to keep it dry overnight. It’s also worth checking the filters and always keeping spare batteries or the charger to hand if it’s a rechargeable model.
Finally, if the child is going to be exposed to prolonged noise, it’s worth checking with their hearing care specialist whether a hearing-protection mode can be activated, or a special programme set up for noisy environments.
When to see a specialist
Sometimes, no matter how careful we are, discomfort or warning signs can still appear. In these cases, it’s best to see a professional. Some signs that it’s time to see a specialist include:
- Ear pain that doesn’t improve within 48 hours.
- Discharge, redness or fever.
- A persistent blocked-ear feeling.
- Changes in the child’s behaviour (irritability, lack of attention).
- Ringing or complaints of “hearing less” than before.
If the child has had ear infections before or wears hearing aids, it’s worth having a hearing test after summer to make sure everything’s still fine — see a specialist, and they’ll carry out the medical diagnosis.
Looking after children’s hearing in summer doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of planning and good habits, it’s possible to prevent infections, avoid discomfort, and teach children from a young age how important it is to protect their ears. Because in the end, what matters most isn’t just that they enjoy summer, but that they can carry on hearing everything that excites them, clearly and in good health.
At BienestarAudio we help you choose the best protection for your children, fitting the most suitable hearing aids for them, and answering any questions you have about how to look after their hearing in practical terms. Because prevention starts with good information and the right professional support.
Looking after their hearing means looking after their childhood. This summer, protect them well.
