You’ve packed your hiking boots, layered up for the trail, and filled your water bottle. But what about your ears? Ear health is easy to overlook, but it’s just as essential as any other piece of outdoor gear. Whether you’re trekking through Banff or camping in the wilds of British Columbia, your ears play a key role in safety and enjoyment.
The Canadian Backcountry Soundscape
Listening to the Canadian backdrop is a surreal experience. From the natural sounds of bird calls to flowing waterfalls and the wind in the trees, each of these elements contributes to an enriching camping experience. Your ears are essential for understanding your surroundings and also serve as a warning sign for potential danger.
The last thing anyone wants is for their hike to take a dangerous turn because they weren’t able to hear for incoming hazards. The ability to communicate across long distances and detect what is going on around you can make the difference between staying safe and potentially being stranded.
Hidden Hazards on the Trail
You need your ears to hear the beauty of nature around you. Yet sometimes, nature can actually harm your hearing ability.
- Noise Exposure: Exposure to loud noise for a prolonged period, such as off-road vehicles, wildlife, motorboats, or gunshots (especially near hunting trails), can contribute to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).
- Water Hazards: Swimming or paddling can cause water to be trapped in the ear. The increase in moisture allows bacteria and fungi to grow, resulting in an ear infection, such as otitis media (middle ear infection) or swimmer’s ear, an ear infection often located in the outer ear.
- Insects and Foreign Objects: Bugs may crawl into your ear while camping or sleeping outdoors, causing discomfort or pain. If left untreated, it could also cause an infection.
- Extreme Temperature: Prolonged exposure to cold wind or water can cause the ear canal to narrow, trapping water and earwax, which can lead to complications. This can potentially lead to surfer’s ear, increasing the risk of hearing loss and infection.
Smart Ear Care Tips for Campers and Hikers
- Wear ear protection when in loud environments or using noisy gear, such as reusable musician’s earplugs or noise-reducing ear muffs. These could protect you from loud noise exposure, decreasing the risk of NIHL.
- Sleep in a sealed tent with a mosquito net. This prevents bugs from crawling into your ears while you sleep, helping reduce the chances of infection or pain. In addition, soft foam earplugs are designed to cancel out noise during sleep while maintaining your comfort.
- Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming; consider using swim plugs to safeguard against swimmer’s ear. Drying drops may help, but they aren’t suitable for everyone. If you have ear tubes, a punctured eardrum, or a history of frequent infections, consult a hearing care specialist before using.
- Once you are out of the woods, schedule regular hearing tests. Visiting a hearing healthcare practitioner after frequent trips to high-noise environments can help verify whether you have NIHL. Or contact a medical professional if you’re concerned about a possible infection or recurring ear pain.
When to Seek Help
If you come back from a camping or hiking trip and notice unusual patterns with your hearing, it may be a sign of hearing loss. It’s crucial for successful treatment to identify the early signs, which include:
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Muffled hearing
- Difficulty understanding or following a conversation
If any of these signs sound familiar, consider a free hearing test as an ideal next step. This way, you can put your best foot forward before packing up your backpack again.
A Final Word on Listening to Nature
Your ears are your gateway to nature’s soundtrack, don’t leave them behind. With a few simple precautions, you can protect your hearing, prevent infections, and keep enjoying the great outdoors for years to come. Enjoy the whole experience of nature, without overlooking your hearing for a happier, healthier tomorrow.
About the Author
Katie Koebel, M.Cl.Sc., Reg. CASLPO is an audiologist and Senior Manager of Audiology at HearingLife, Canada’s largest group of hearing centres with over 350 locations across the country. HearingLife clinics use the most advanced hearing aid technology, clinical support, and diagnostic equipment. Katie is an Audiologist registered with CASLPO and has been providing her clients with the best possible hearing health care with HearingLife for over 17 years.
If you’re at high risk of hearing damage, it is advisable to have your hearing checked regularly and advocate for proper hearing protection in your workplace. For more information on different types of hearing loss and educational resources, visit a hearing clinic near you.
Want to discover more hidden gems and helpful travel tips? Join our free newsletter for the latest travel secrets and travel articles.
We are reader-supported and may earn a commission on purchases made through links in this article.
