Summer Tips Archives - ENTOne

2 Summer Activities That Can Permanently Cause Hearing Damage

Rick — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:35:39 +0000

Summer is made for getting outside – but a few of the season’s favorite activities come with a hidden risk to your hearing. The damage often happens quietly, builds over time, and can be permanent. The good news? With a little awareness, it’s also completely preventable. Here are two summer staples to be careful with, and how to protect yourself and your family.

1. Fireworks

Of course, on July Fourth and at sporting events, fireworks displays are common. But those spectacular booms come at a cost: most fireworks produce the level of sound that actually causes pain. At that volume, even a single show can easily cause permanent hearing damage. Enjoy the display from a distance, and bring hearing protection for everyone, especially young children.

2. Outdoor Concerts

Here in the Front Range, we have Red Rocks Amphitheater, considered one of the finest outdoor music venues in America, but because outdoor venues let sound disperse, bands often turn the music up even louder to compensate. Beyond permanent hearing damage, listening too loud for too long frequently causes tinnitus – a ringing in the ears. Sometimes it goes away, and sometimes it doesn’t. Whenever you can, sit well away from the speakers and give your ears regular breaks.

What is noise-induced hearing loss?

Loud noise doesn’t just bother your ears in the moment – over time, it can physically damage the inner workings that make hearing possible. That kind of damage is known as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

Most sounds in our everyday environment, such as TV, traffic, and ambient conversation, are at safe levels. But there are times when sounds become too loud or last too long (on-the-job machinery), and that’s when the damage happens. Depending on the type and extent of that damage, NIHL can be temporary or permanent. Unlike other types of hearing loss, it’s preventable.

NIHL can actually be stopped before it starts

Of all the ways people lose their hearing, noise damage is the only kind you have real control over. Once you know what puts your ears at risk and build a few smart habits around loud sound, you can keep your hearing in good shape for the long haul. A few ways to start:

Learn to recognize the everyday sounds loud enough to do harm.
Keep earplugs or earmuffs on hand and use them whenever you’re around heavy noise.
When the volume is out of your control and protection isn’t enough, put distance between yourself and the source.
Pay attention to your surroundings so loud environments don’t catch you off guard.
Step in for kids, whose ears need protecting before they’re old enough to do it themselves.
Book a hearing test if you suspect your ears may already have taken a hit.

Enjoy your summer – and protect your hearing

You don’t have to skip the fireworks or sit out the concert. A few simple precautions go a long way toward keeping your hearing healthy for years to come. And if you’ve noticed ringing in your ears, muffled hearing, or trouble hearing after a loud event, it’s worth getting checked out.

Concerned about your hearing? Schedule a hearing evaluation with ENTOne today. Call our office or book online, and let our specialists help you protect what matters.

Disclaimer: This is general information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. All advice and suggestions offered on the website, in blog posts, or in newsletters should be discussed with a physician before implementation. Always consult a physician for specific guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. SurgOne, PC, and ENTOne PC are not liable for any adverse reactions that may occur from implementing the advice or suggestions that appear here.

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Swimmer’s Ear – Summertime Inevitability or Avoidable?

Rick — Fri, 10 May 2024 14:26:48 +0000

Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal. It is caused by trapped water in the ear canal that creates a moist environment for bacteria to grow.

Anyone can get swimmer’s ear, but it is more common in children and people who swim frequently.

Symptoms of swimmer’s ear include:

Ear pain, especially when the earlobe is tugged or the ear canal is pressed on
Itching in the ear
Feeling of fullness in the ear
Drainage from the ear
Decreased hearing

Treatment

If you think you might have swimmer’s ear, it is important to see a doctor to get treatment. Early treatment can help prevent the infection from worsening. Treatment for swimmer’s ear typically includes ear drops that contain antibiotics or corticosteroids. In some cases, a doctor may also prescribe pain medication.

Prevention Tips:

Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or showering. You can use a towel to gently dry the outer ear, and then tilt your head on each side to allow water to drain out of the ear canal.
Use ear drops after swimming, especially if you are prone to swimmer’s ear. Talk to your ENTOne Provider about the best use of ear drops to prevent swimmer’s ear this summer.
Avoid putting cotton swabs in your ears. Cotton swabs can push wax deeper into the ear canal, which can trap water and increase your risk of swimmer’s ear.
Wear earplugs when swimming in polluted water.

Disclaimer: This is general information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. All advice and suggestions offered via the website or newsletters should be discussed with a physician prior to being implemented. Always consult a physician for specific guidance, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions. SurgOne, PC and ENTOne PC are not liable for any adverse reactions that may occur by implementing advice or suggestions that appear here.

The post Swimmer’s Ear – Summertime Inevitability or Avoidable? appeared first on ENTOne.

Protect Your Throat From The Colorado Summer

Rick — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 19:34:02 +0000

Colorado has a semi-arid climate, with low humidity and hot summers. Humidity in Colorado is typically between 30% and 40%, and can go lower.

Colorado’s summer heat and dry air can be harsh on your throat, leaving it dry, scratchy, and uncomfortable. Here are some top tips and remedies to keep your throat happy and healthy during the hot summer months.

Staying hydrated is crucial

Here are some key points to remember:

How much water? While the eight-glasses-a-day rule is a general guideline, individual needs vary. A more accurate way to determine your fluid needs is by body weight. Aim for half an ounce to one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. So, for a 150-pound person, that’s 75 to 150 ounces of fluids daily.
Listen to your body: Thirst is a sign of dehydration, so don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Make it a habit to sip water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel parched.
More than just water: Water is ideal, but other fluids can contribute to your daily intake. Unsweetened teas, fruits and vegetables with high water content (watermelon, cucumber, celery), and even low-fat milk can help with hydration.
Electrolytes for extended activity: If you’ll be sweating a lot due to intense exercise or spending extended hours outdoors, consider electrolyte-containing beverages or sports drinks. However, be mindful of sugar content in these drinks, and prioritize water alongside them.

Additional tips for staying hydrated in summer:

Carry a reusable water bottle: Having a water bottle with you serves as a constant reminder to drink and makes it easy to stay topped up throughout the day.
Flavor it up: Add slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries to your water for a refreshing twist.
Freeze fruits into ice cubes: These will add a subtle flavor to your water as they melt and keep your drink cool.
Set reminders: Use phone alarms or apps to remind yourself to take sips of water throughout the day.

By following these tips, you can ensure you stay hydrated throughout the summer and enjoy the warm weather without throat complications.

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