Expert Tips for Protecting Your Ears, Nose, and Throat All Season Long
Summer is a time for sunshine, road trips, barbecues, beach days, and outdoor concerts—but it can also come with a few hidden health hazards for your ears, nose, and throat. At ENT and Allergy Associates, we want you to enjoy every moment of the season while protecting yourself from common ENT and allergy-related issues. Here’s your ultimate summer survival guide from our specialists:
Ear Protection for Concerts, Fireworks & Festivals
Whether you're dancing at an outdoor music festival or celebrating with a Fourth of July fireworks display, your ears are at risk for noise-induced hearing damage.
- Bring reusable earplugs to concerts or fireworks events to protect your hearing without sacrificing sound quality.
- Keep a safe distance from loudspeakers and explosions—sound levels above 85 decibels can damage your hearing over time.
Avoiding Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)
Love spending time in the pool, lake, or ocean? Excess moisture can cause bacteria to thrive in your ear canal.
- Use over-the-counter drying drops after swimming.
- Tilt your head to each side after swimming to let water drain out.
- Avoid inserting cotton swabs—they can damage the ear canal or push wax deeper.
Managing Environmental Allergies
Grasses, trees, and pollens flourish in summer—and so do seasonal allergies. Common symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and fatigue.
- Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors to remove pollen.
- Use a saline nasal spray to rinse allergens from your nasal passages.
- Speak to one of our allergists about a personalized allergy treatment plan or immunotherapy.
Summer Camp & Outdoor Adventure Readiness
Whether you’re hiking, camping, or sending your kids to summer camp, environmental exposure can affect ENT health.
- Bug bites near the ears or throat can cause swelling—use DEET-free insect repellent when possible.
- Avoid known allergens (like moldy leaves or flower pollen) on trails or campgrounds.
- Keep antihistamines handy, especially for children with known allergies.
Smart Sun & Skin Protection
Sunburns aren’t just for the beach—they can affect your lips, ears, and even your nose.
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to your ears, lips, and around the nose.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to provide shade for your face and neck.
- Choose fragrance-free products to minimize the risk of allergic skin reactions.
Hydration = Throat Health
Hot weather and outdoor activities can dry out your throat and vocal cords.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day—especially if you're sweating or speaking loudly outdoors.
- Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks which can contribute to dehydration.
- If you're a teacher, singer, or speaker, summer is a great time to give your voice a little extra TLC.
Keep Your Nose in Top Shape
Dry air, dust, and allergens can irritate nasal passages, especially in air-conditioned environments.
- Use a humidifier indoors to keep nasal tissues moist.
- Saline sprays or rinses can flush out irritants and soothe inflammation.
- If nasal congestion lingers, it may be time to consult one of our ENT specialists.
Don’t Forget the Kids!
Children are more prone to ear infections and allergy flare-ups during summer activities.
- Keep an eye out for signs like tugging at ears, congestion, or itchy eyes.
- Make sure they stay hydrated and apply sunscreen and bug spray before outdoor play.
- Schedule a pre-camp check-up with one of our pediatric ENT or allergy specialists.
Pack a Smart Summer Kit
Build your “ENT & Allergy Go Bag” with:
- Earplugs
- Saline spray
- Allergy meds
- Sunscreen
- Hydration bottle
- Bug spray
- Sunglasses & hat
- Throat lozenges (just in case!)
This summer, have fun—but do it safely. From the beach to the backyard, your ENT and allergy health matters. If you’re experiencing symptoms that interfere with your summer plans, our team at ENT and Allergy Associates is here to help.
Make an appointment today with one of our specialists throughout New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania—and keep summer feeling like a breeze.
ENT and Allergy Associates (ENTA) is the premier otolaryngology and allergy practice in the region, offering comprehensive care in Adult and Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Allergy, Asthma, Audiology, Sleep Medicine, Balance Disorders, Voice and Swallowing Disorders, Sinus and Skull Base Surgery, Thyroid and Parathyroid Disorders, Head and Neck Surgery, Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, and Hearing Aids.
With convenient office locations throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, ENT and Allergy Associates is proud to provide expert, compassionate care in:
- New Jersey – Bergen, Camden, Burlington, Monmouth, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Somerset Counties, and more.
- New York – The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk Counties), and Westchester County.
- Pennsylvania – Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia County.
Whether you're seeking relief from seasonal allergies, expert surgical consultation, or help managing chronic ENT conditions, our board-certified physicians and specialized care teams are here to help.