Summer is a season of long‑awaited sunshine that draws us out of hibernation. It’s a time to enjoy the moments that make life feel brighter.

Whilst many of us enjoy the great outdoors after the hibernation of winter, it can be a very noisy place to be with hearing difficulties in a range of outdoor listening environments.

Whether you’re heading to a festival, jetting off somewhere warm, or simply enjoying a family BBQ, a little hearing awareness goes a long way. As person centred audiologists, we see first‑hand how summer activities can impact hearing health, and how simple steps can keep you hearing clearly all season long.

Festival Season: Enjoy the Music, Protect Your Ears

Live music is one of the great joys of summer, but festival sound levels often reach 100–110 dB, loud enough to cause damage in under 15 minutes.

• Festival ear protection: Reusable or custom earplugs reduce volume without distorting sound.
• Safe listening habits: Take quiet breaks between sets and avoid standing directly in front of speakers.
• Find quiet areas for conversation: If you are struggling to follow conversation above the noise, guide your friends to a quiet spot for better listening

You don’t have to choose between great music and healthy hearing, you can have both.

Hot Weather & Hearing Aids: Keep Them Working Smoothly

Warm weather, suncream, and humidity can all affect hearing aids. A few simple tips can keep them performing at their best:

• Daily drying: Use a drying pot or electronic dryer overnight.
• Avoid moisture: Remove hearing aids before applying sun cream or insect repellent.
• Carry spare batteries or a portable charger: Especially if you’re travelling or camping.

If you’re heading off grid for a couple of days you don’t need to compromise your hearing. Modern technology such as Widex’s new Allure AI hearing aids come with a portable charger that offers multiple charges, keeping you connected for up to 5 days. 

Swimming, Water Sports & Ear Health

Whether you enjoy the bracing English coast or snorkelling abroad, water can introduce bacteria into the ear canal and increase the risk of infections.

• Swimming ear protection: Custom swim plugs keep water out comfortably.
• Dry your ears gently: Tilt your head and let water drain naturally.
• Avoid cotton buds: They push wax deeper and irritate the ear canal.

If you need regular ear wax removal, remember to book in before your holiday to avoid any unwanted build up.

Travel Tips for Clear, Comfortable Hearing

Holidays often mean airports, flights and unfamiliar environments. A few hearing‑friendly travel habits make the journey smoother:

• Pack a hearing essentials kit: Batteries, domes, chargers and cleaning tools.
• Manage ear pressure on flights: Swallowing or yawning can help.
• Stay alert to announcements: Many hearing aids have Bluetooth streaming for clearer airport audio.

When Summer Noise Leaves Its Mark

If you notice any of the following it’s worth booking a hearing check:

• Asking others to repeat themselves often
• Sounds not as clear as they used to be
• Needing to turn the TV up more than usual
• Struggling to follow conversations in background noise

Enjoy Every Moment, With Healthy Hearing

Summer is full of sound: laughter, music, waves, conversation. Protecting your hearing means you can enjoy those moments now and long into the future.

As an independent audiologist, we offer:

• Full hearing assessments
• Hearing aid fittings and adjustments
• Custom earplugs for festivals, swimming and travel
• Ongoing hearing care throughout the year