Protecting Your Hearing During Summer Activities in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village & Nearby
Summer in Thousand Oaks means time outside with friends and family—pool days, concerts, fireworks, road trips, and local events. But while these activities are a highlight of the season, they can pose risks to your hearing health, especially when it comes to loud sounds and water exposure.
At Bella Vista ENT, we help patients across Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and Newbury Park stay proactive in protecting their hearing—so they can enjoy every season without long-term complications.
🎆 How Loud Is Too Loud?
Fireworks, concerts, lawn mowers, motorcycles, and sporting events often exceed safe volume levels. Any noise over 85 decibels (dB) can damage your hearing with prolonged exposure. For reference:
- Busy traffic = ~85 dB
- Concerts and fireworks = 100–120 dB
- Leaf blowers = ~90–100 dB
What you can do:
- Use foam earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs, especially for children.
- Sit farther away from speakers or explosive displays.
- If your ears ring afterward or sounds seem “dull,” that’s a red flag—get checked by a specialist.
🌊 Swimming & Swimmer’s Ear: A Summer Risk
Swimmer’s ear is a common outer ear infection caused by water trapped in the ear canal, especially after time in pools, lakes, or oceans.
Tips to prevent it:
- Dry ears after swimming: Tilt your head and let water drain. Pat the outer ear gently with a towel.
- Avoid using cotton swabs, which can push water deeper.
- Use swimmer’s earplugs and make sure they fit snugly and stay clean.
- Avoid swimming in untreated or dirty water—bacteria can easily enter the ear canal.
- See a doctor if you feel pain, itching, or fullness in your ears after swimming.
🎧 Safe Headphone Use for All Ages
Headphones and earbuds are everywhere in summer—on runs, in cars, and on the beach. But volume control is key:
- Follow the 60/60 rule: Keep the volume under 60% and limit use to 60 minutes at a time.
- If others nearby can hear your music, it’s too loud.
- Over-ear headphones are safer than earbuds, since they sit farther from your eardrum and block outside noise more effectively.
🧠 Why Hearing Health Matters More Than You Think
Hearing isn’t just about sound. It plays a major role in:
- Communication & connection
- Cognitive health (hearing loss is linked to memory issues)
- Balance & safety
- Emotional well-being
Hearing damage can be subtle, permanent, and isolating. Taking small steps now—especially during noisy, active seasons—can help you protect your hearing long-term.
🩺 When to See an ENT in Thousand Oaks
If you or someone in your family experiences:
- Ringing in the ears
- Muffled or “blocked” hearing
- Pain after swimming or loud events
- Dizziness or ear pressure
…it’s time to schedule a hearing evaluation.
At Bella Vista ENT, we serve patients across Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, and surrounding Conejo Valley communities with ENT care that’s thorough, personalized, and prevention-focused.
Don’t Let Summer Damage Your Hearing
You don’t have to avoid your favorite summer activities—just protect your ears. With the right precautions, you can enjoy concerts, swimming, and road trips without compromising your hearing.
Contact Bella Vista ENT to schedule a checkup or hearing evaluation. Whether it’s for a swimmer’s ear infection, tinnitus, or just peace of mind, we’re here to help your family stay safe all season long.
The information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
Results may vary: Treatment outcomes and health experiences may differ based on individual medical history, condition severity, and response to care.
Emergency Notice: If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.