Autumn brings in its own compelling sounds you don’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching beneath your feet, and kids laughing and playing. Now imagine how much less enjoyable your fall experience will be if those sounds start to fade away.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing issues can be avoided or treated with simple safeguards. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound of this fall’s magic.
Protect your ears from noise
The most common cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing impairment.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
One-time loud events can cause temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it’s not always possible to counter the damage. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also lead to permanent issues.
Guidelines for protecting your ears in autumn
- Use earplugs at events: Use earplugs at Halloween events or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be enticing, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can certainly damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone usage and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures go down, remember to safeguard your ears from the cold. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you susceptible to ear infections. Adults are just as prone to ear infections as children, especially when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and swelling of the middle ear. Neglected ear infections can trigger more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and overall health.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, consult a healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
Safe ear cleaning tips
Earwax, while often regarded as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your total ear health. However, too much earwax can become problematic, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can push earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Better cleaning solutions include:
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you think you may have a wax blockage or if you’re unsure how to best clean your ears. We can prevent further issues by making use of specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear away excess wax. After the drops have been in your ear for a few minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing issues. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, including diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you experience any hearing changes after you begin using a new medication. They can identify whether your hearing loss is due to the medication and advise you on the best plan of action.
Take action at the first indication of hearing loss
Seasonal experiences in autumn are full of wonderful sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. If you detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a thorough assessment.