We’re right in the middle of summer and for many, that means school’s out, bags are packed and family holidays are in full swing. Whether it’s a beach getaway, long-awaited city breaks or simply making the most of the sunshine at home, summer brings a welcome change of pace. But with all the fun and travel, it’s easy to overlook something as simple yet important as ear health.
This time of year, earwax issues are more common than many people realise. Warm weather, swimming and changes in routine can all affect the ears, leading to discomfort or hearing difficulties at the worst possible time. Understanding why this happens and how to manage it can help keep summer carefree and clear-eared.
What Changes in Summer?
Earwax plays an important role in protecting the ears from dust, bacteria and debris. Normally, it moves out of the ear naturally without any help. But during summer, several seasonal changes can affect this natural process.
With the rise in temperature and humidity, the glands inside the ear may produce more wax than usual. This can become particularly noticeable during summer holidays when sunscreen, sweat and water activities come into the mix. It’s also more common to use earbuds, headphones, or hearing aids while travelling or relaxing outdoors — and these can trap heat and push wax deeper into the ear canal.
Swimming and Waterlogged Ears
A day at the pool or beach is a summer favourite for many families, but all that water exposure can cause its own set of ear-related problems. When water becomes trapped behind a build-up of wax, it can create a blocked or muffled sensation. In some cases, it can even lead to ear infections.
One condition that becomes more common during warmer months is “swimmer’s ear,” which occurs when bacteria multiply in the moist environment of the outer ear canal. While it’s more frequently seen in children, adults aren’t immune and it’s especially uncomfortable during a long-awaited family holiday.
Flying and Holiday Travel
Many people are now heading off on summer holidays abroad. But changes in air pressure during take-off and landing can be particularly uncomfortable if wax is blocking the ear canal. It prevents the ears from equalising pressure, leading to that familiar feeling of popping or blocked ears, sometimes lasting well beyond the flight.
Even if you’re staying closer to home, travel often comes with more exposure to sand, dust and dry air, all of which can irritate the ears or mix with wax already present. For those who wear hearing aids, sudden wax build-up can also interfere with how well they function, something that can be frustrating when you’re away from your usual support or tools.
Tempted to Self-Clean? A Word of Caution
When ears start to feel full or muffled, it’s tempting to try to fix the problem at home. Cotton buds are a go-to for many people, especially when travelling, but they can often make the issue worse. Instead of removing the wax, they tend to push it further in — which can cause more blockage or even lead to damage.
If wax is becoming an issue, the safest option is to have it removed professionally. At Novus Hearing, we offer both microsuction and irrigation wax removal, depending on what’s most appropriate for your ears. Whether it’s a gentle, water-based method or a dry technique, our audiology team ensures the process is safe, effective and comfortable, often providing immediate relief and noticeably clearer hearing.
Keeping Your Ears Comfortable This Summer
Whether you’re heading to the coast, lounging by the pool or exploring new destinations with the family, there are a few small steps that can help protect your ears from seasonal problems:
- After swimming, gently dry your ears with a towel and tilt your head to help drain any trapped water.
- Avoid putting anything in your ears, even if they feel blocked.
- If you wear hearing aids, make sure they’re cleaned regularly and checked for wax build-up.
- Use ear protection in loud environments like festivals, concerts or busy public spaces.
Most importantly, if you’re experiencing a blocked feeling, discomfort or a noticeable change in hearing, it may be a sign of wax build-up that needs attention.
Enjoy a Clearer, More Comfortable Summer
Earwax might not be top of the holiday checklist, but if left untreated, it can put a damper on an otherwise enjoyable season. Getting your ears checked, especially before flying or heading off on a family trip can give you peace of mind and help you make the most of every moment.
Whether you’re noticing signs of blockage or simply want to stay ahead of potential issues, Novus offers expert wax removal services in a friendly, professional environment. We’re here to help you hear clearly and comfortably, so you can enjoy everything summer has to offer without interruption.
Find out more or book your wax removal appointment here
