As the cool air and vibrant colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season special, children laughing as they trick-or-treat, the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine how much less enjoyable your fall experience will be if those sounds begin to fade away.
Fortunately, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be compromised because many of the causes of hearing loss can be prevented by taking some simple protective steps. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be assertive about safeguarding your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can compromise the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
What are typical sources of harmful noise?
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can result in hearing loss that is normally temporary and will clear up over a day or two. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also result in permanent problems.
Tips for protecting your hearing in autumn
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can expose you to hazardously loud noise levels.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
- Use earplugs at events: Utilize earplugs at Halloween gatherings or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures go down, don’t forget to safeguard your ears from the cold. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Ear infections are more common when it’s cold out and both adults and children are vulnerable.
The danger of ear infections
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, affecting both your hearing and overall health.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get evaluated and treated by a healthcare provider right away if you experience sudden hearing loss, have pain in your ear, or have any fluid draining from your ear.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
Earwax, while often thought of as a nuisance, traps debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your total ear health. However, excessive earwax can become problematic, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
Many individuals use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common practice can actually push the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even harming the ear. Here are some better cleaning options:
- Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, come see us for a consultation. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
- 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
Hearing issues are one of the unforeseen side effects of some medications. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impede your hearing.
If you notice changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s important to contact your doctor. They can determine whether your hearing loss is due to the medication and advise you on the best plan of action.
Take action at the first sign of hearing loss
Seasonal activities in autumn are full of memorable sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. Make an appointment for a consultation if you detect any changes to your hearing.
