As the crisp air and bright colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, children laughing as they trick-or-treat, the gratifying 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 jeopardized because many of the causes of hearing loss can be avoided by taking some simple protective steps. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be proactive about protecting your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing impairment.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
One-time loud events can result in 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, such as regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also lead to lasting problems.
Guidelines for protecting your hearing in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone use and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
- 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 dangerously high noise levels.
- Wear earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween parties, use earplugs to lower the volume without muting the experience.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures go down, remember to safeguard your ears from the chill. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible to infections, which in turn can affect your hearing. Adults are just as susceptible to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can trigger swelling and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, leading to discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection is neglected, it can impact both your hearing health and your general health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Protecting 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 assessed 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.
Safe ear cleaning tips
Earwax, while frequently regarded as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your total ear health. However, too much earwax can block your ear canal and lead to considerable problems.
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common practice can actually pack the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even damaging the ear. Here are some better cleaning options:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften the earwax by utilizing over-the-counter earwax drops or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then tip your head to allow it to drain.
- Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further problems.
Medication-induced hearing problems
Hearing issues are one of the unexpected side effects of certain medications. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impair your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you experience any hearing changes after you start using a new medication. They can determine whether your hearing loss is connected to the medication and advise you on the best course of action.
Take action at the first indication of hearing loss
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. If you notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us for a thorough assessment.