Summer ear protection for your child

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Parents are aware they need to protect their children with sunscreen and a hat in summer, but what about their ears? 

Between swimming, beach days, and loud events, ears need attention too. Find out why from a Mediclinic hearing expert.

Why does summer bring ear infections?

Deon Ceronio , an audiologist at Mediclinic Bloemfontein, says middle-ear problems and swimmer’s ear are two issues that commonly occur in summer.

1. Otitis media (middle-ear infections) often follow allergies or colds and can cause fluid build-up behind your child’s eardrum. The fluid sometimes becomes infected, leading to pain and fever. However, even when it doesn’t, it can still cause temporary hearing loss, which affects speech and language development.

Prevention: If your child has severe ear pain, pus in the ear, or fever, see a GP. And if they keep asking you to repeat things, don’t just assume they’re distracted – book a hearing test. “Many mild hearing losses go unnoticed,” says Ceronio. “A routine test before starting Grade 1 is a good idea for every child.”

2. Otitis externa (swimmer’s ear) is an outer-ear infection caused when water gets trapped in the ear canal. “It creates a warm, humid space that bacteria love,” Ceronio explains. “It’s usually a very painful infection.” Chlorinated pool water can dry and irritate your child’s ear canal, making it easier for bacteria to sneak in. “Heated pools are usually worse than cold ones. Sea water is salt-based and naturally antibacterial, but sand can cause irritation, and polluted or warm, murky coastal water can be a breeding ground for infection.”

Prevention: Ceronio’s golden rule is to keep your child’s ears dry after swimming. “After a swim or bath, get them to tilt their head and let any water drain out,” he says. “Avoid cotton buds. Just use a towel to dry the outer ear gently.” He adds that keeping allergies and nasal congestion under control can also protect middle-ear health, as the nose, throat, and ears are all connected. “I don’t recommend over-the-counter ear drops for children,” says Ceronio. “Especially if they’ve got grommets or a perforated eardrum. Always check with your GP or ENT specialist first.”

Turn down the volume

Summer festivals, fireworks, and concerts can hit 100dB or more – well above the safe limit. “Anything over 85dB can harm hearing,” warns Ceronio. “Avoid standing near loudspeakers, and make hearing protection non-negotiable for kids.” The same goes for earphones. “Listening to music loudly for long stretches can cause long-term damage. Keep the volume moderate and the exposure short.”

When to see a doctor

For children who’ve had repeated infection or grommets, Ceronio suggests a follow-up hearing test after one month, then again after six to 12 months. “Grade 1 depends so much on listening and language. If hearing loss goes undetected, it can affect learning.”

Three ear myths busted

1. Myth: Cotton buds are perfect for cleaning my child’s ears.
   Truth: Cotton buds don’t clean ears, they push wax deeper and can injure the ear canal.
2. Myth: Oils and home remedies can help with ear problems.
   Truth: Never put anything in your child’s ears unless you’ve checked first with your GP.
3. Myth: It’s important to clean my child’s ears regularly.
   Truth: Ears are self-cleaning and wax isn’t dirt – it’s protective. Don’t attempt to remove it unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.

A quick summer checklist for parents

• Dry your child’s ears gently after swimming.
• Treat a blocked nose early.
• Use custom swim plugs if they keep getting infections.
• Protect their ears with well-fitting earmuffs at loud events.
• Limit earphone use and control volume.
• Don’t ignore ear pain or discharge.
• Insist they wear a hat and apply sun block to ears to prevent sunburn.

“Protecting your child’s hearing is as important as protecting their skin,” advises Ceronio. “Starting good habits now can save a lifetime of issues.”