How to Maintain Ear Health While Traveling

Travel puts your ears through more than you might realize. Whether you’re flying across the country, driving through mountain passes or taking a cruise to tropical destinations, changes in altitude, air pressure and climate can all affect how your ears feel and function. That uncomfortable pressure during takeoff and landing is just the beginning, because different humidity levels, temperature swings and even the dry cabin air on long flights can leave your ears feeling off-balance or plugged up for days.

The last thing you want is to spend your vacation dealing with ear discomfort, muffled hearing or worse, an ear infection that keeps you from enjoying your plans. Simple changes like flying to a different elevation, swimming in hotel pools with different chemical balances or even sleeping in unfamiliar environments can trigger ear issues that might not surface until you’re already at your destination. Your ears work hard to adapt to new conditions, but they need a little extra attention when you’re traveling to perform their best.

Taking care of your ear health while traveling doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your packing list or travel routine. With some basic preparation and awareness of what to expect in different travel situations, you can keep your ears comfortable and your hearing clear, so you can focus on making the most of your time away from home.

Air Pressure Changes And Your Ears

Traveling by plane can be exciting, but it can also bring cause certain auditory issues. As the plane goes up and down, the rapid changes in altitude can cause a feeling of fullness or discomfort in your ears. This happens because the Eustachian tubes, which are the small passages connecting your middle ear to the back of your nose, struggle to balance the pressure between your inner ear and the outside environment.

Luckily, simple actions like chewing gum or sucking on candy during takeoff and landing can help. These actions stimulate swallowing, which opens up the Eustachian tubes, helping them adjust to changes in air pressure. Yawning can also help.

If you travel by plane frequently, consider investing in specially designed s that regulate air pressure naturally. They’re available at most pharmacies and could be a smart investment if you’re a frequent flyer. Knowing how changes in air pressure affect your ears and taking steps to mitigate these effects will ensure that flying remains a fun part of your travel experiences.

Keeping Your Ears Safe from Noise

Noise exposure adds up throughout the day, especially when you’re on the move. A crowded subway platform might sit around 95 dBs, while baggage carousels and food courts in large airports can hover near 90 dBs. Even extended time on a bus or ferry, which often ranges from 80-88 dBs, can be taxing on your ears if there’s no break. Carrying earplugs or using noise-reducing headphones during these times can help lower your exposure and reduce the risk of temporary hearing changes.

Tourist sites like amusement parks, busy streets or outdoor concerts can spike even higher, sometimes reaching 105 dBs or more. It doesn’t take long at that volume for your ears to feel strained. If you’re going to be in these spaces for a while, it helps to step away to quieter areas when you can or give yourself longer recovery time afterward. Hearing fatigue is real, and it can build faster in unfamiliar or unpredictable environments.

In contrast, quieter places like museums, open parks or coastal paths usually range between 40-70 dBs. These types of settings allow your ears to recover from overstimulation. You don’t have to avoid lively environments entirely, but mixing in calm spaces helps create balance. Paying attention to the sound level of your surroundings, even roughly, can help you keep your hearing more comfortable and better protected while you travel.

Managing Your Ear Health Across Different Climates

Traveling between different climates can affect more than just your skin and sinuses, it can also impact your ears. Whether you’re heading into dry desert heat, humid tropical air or cold, windy conditions, these environmental changes can influence how your ears feel and function. In dry climates, for example, the lack of moisture can lead to dryness in the ear canal, which might cause itching or flaking. If you’re prone to skin irritation, applying a small amount of doctor-approved moisturizer around the outer ear (never inside the canal) can help keep the skin comfortable.

Humid environments, on the other hand, can encourage excess moisture to build up in the ear. This is especially true if you’re sweating more than usual or wearing hearing aids, which can trap heat and moisture. In these cases, it’s important to keep your ears dry and ventilated. Wipe around the ear regularly, and if you use hearing devices, open the battery door or use a drying kit at night to help them air out. Staying on top of this routine can prevent unwanted irritation or the development of moisture-related infections.

Cold climates bring their own set of challenges. Wind and low temperatures can lead to the formation of bony growths in the ear canal for some people, a condition known as surfer’s ear, which develops over time with repeated exposure. Cold weather can also reduce blood flow to the ears, making them more sensitive or leading to discomfort. Wearing a hat or ear warmers in freezing temperatures protects your ears from the wind and helps maintain comfort. No matter the climate, staying aware of how your ears respond to these environmental changes and adjusting your care routine can make a big difference in keeping them healthy.

Managing Hearing Devices While Traveling

Traveling with hearing devices takes a little planning, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re flying across the country or driving a few hours to see family, making sure your devices are in good working order before you leave can help you avoid complications on the road. Pack extra batteries or ensure your rechargeable devices are fully charged, and bring along your charger, cleaning tools and any drying or storage accessories you normally use at home. A small case designed for your hearing aids is especially helpful for protecting them from damage during transit.

Humidity, temperature changes and exposure to moisture are common travel conditions that can affect your hearing aids. If you’re heading somewhere tropical or plan to be outside often, consider using a drying kit or dehumidifier overnight to keep your devices in top condition. If your trip involves hiking or sightseeing in areas where you’re more active or sweating more than usual, a hearing aid sweatband or sleeve can offer some protection. Keep your hearing aids out of direct sunlight and away from places where they could be accidentally dropped, like on a crowded plane or in a public restroom.

When traveling through airports, train stations or other noisy environments, hearing aids with directional microphones or noise reduction features can make it easier to understand announcements or have conversations. If you use Bluetooth features to connect your hearing aids with your phone or tablet, make sure your devices are paired before you go. It also helps to download any manufacturer apps ahead of time so you can adjust settings easily while on the move.

Finally, if you’re traveling internationally or to a remote area, look up the availability of hearing aid services or clinics nearby in case you need assistance. Bringing along a copy of your hearing prescription or a summary of your device settings can also be useful if you need support. With a little preparation, your hearing devices can support you throughout your trip, helping you stay comfortable and confident no matter where your plans take you.

Safe Headphone Use on Long Journeys

Long travel days often mean extended time with headphones in, whether you’re watching movies on a plane, listening to music during a long cab ride or using an audiobook to pass time on a bus. But prolonged headphone use, especially at high volumes, can cause hearing fatigue or even lead to long-term hearing damage. A good rule is the 60/60 guideline: listen at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time before giving your ears a break. Many devices now offer volume limit settings or hearing protection warnings, which can be helpful tools when used consistently.

The type of headphones you choose also matters. Over-ear models tend to distribute sound more evenly and create a better seal that helps block outside noise, so you don’t have to turn the volume up as high. In contrast, earbuds sit closer to the eardrum and can deliver more intense sound in a small space, especially in loud environments. Noise-canceling options can help reduce background noise and allow you to listen at safer volumes. Taking regular breaks to remove your headphones entirely can also relieve pressure and let your ears rest, which is just as important as managing volume.

Why Resting Your Ears is Important

Resting your ears is an important part of maintaining long-term hearing health, especially if you’re frequently exposed to loud sounds or use headphones regularly. Just like other parts of your body, your ears need a break from constant stimulation to recover and reset. Continuous exposure to noise without pauses can lead to fatigue in the auditory system, making it harder to focus on sounds and potentially increasing your risk of long-term hearing damage.

Taking time to rest your ears helps reduce the strain on the tiny hair cells in the inner ear that are responsible for sending sound signals to the brain. These cells do not regenerate, so giving them a chance to recover after noise exposure is essential. Quiet periods throughout the day or after being in loud environments like concerts, sporting events or even busy city streets can help preserve your ability to hear clearly. Whether you use hearing aids or not, building quiet time into your routine is a simple but effective habit that supports your overall hearing health.

Protecting Hearing and Your Devices While Swimming

Swimming can be one of the most enjoyable parts of a vacation, but it’s important to take a few precautions if you use hearing aids or are mindful of ear health. Moisture is one of the most common threats to the function of hearing devices, and even a quick dip in the pool or an accidental splash can affect sensitive internal components. Before entering the water, it’s best to remove your hearing aids entirely and store them in a dry, safe place. Carrying a waterproof container in your bag can be a practical solution when you’re on the go.

In addition to protecting your devices, you’ll also want to consider how swimming can affect your ears themselves. Pools, lakes and oceans all carry the risk of water entering the ear canal and getting trapped, especially if you spend extended time underwater. This can lead to inflammation or infection, often referred to as swimmer’s ear. Using well-fitted waterproof earplugs while swimming creates a barrier that helps keep your ears dry. After swimming, gently drying your ears with a towel and tilting your head to let any lingering water drain out can also help reduce the chance of irritation or infection. Taking these simple steps ensures that you can enjoy time in the water without having to deal with unexpected hearing issues afterward.

Getting Ready for Your Trip

A little planning can go a long way when it comes to keeping your ears comfortable on the go. From protecting your hearing during long flights to giving your ears a break after extended headphone use, these small habits can help you avoid discomfort and keep your hearing sharp throughout your trip. Being aware of how changes in environment and pressure affect your ears makes it easier to stay ahead of problems before they disrupt your travel experience.

If you’ve had issues with ear discomfort during past trips or have hearing devices that need extra care while you’re away, we’re here to help. Contact Center for Better Hearing in El Cerrito, CA at (510) 768-7091 to get personalized recommendations before your next trip. We’ll help make sure your hearing is ready, so you can enjoy your travels without anything getting in the way.