As the cool air and bright colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season special, children laughing as they trick-or-treat, the gratifying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, diminishing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing issues can be avoided or managed with simple safeguards. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be proactive about protecting your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
What are common sources of damaging noise?
- 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 prompt medical care can help, it isn’t 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 result in lasting issues.
Autumn ear protection guidelines
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone usage and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be tempting, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can certainly damage your hearing.
- Use earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween parties or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures drop. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you susceptible to ear infections. Adults are just as vulnerable to ear infections as children, especially when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and swelling of the middle ear. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can affect both your hearing health and your overall health, leading to more serious health issues.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by entirely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get assessed and treated by a healthcare provider immediately if you experience sudden hearing loss, have pain in your ear, or have any fluid draining from your ear.
Safe ear cleaning tips
While earwax is usually viewed as a nuisance, it plays a crucial role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and lead to substantial issues.
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: If you’re not sure about cleaning your ears or suspect you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can safely clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further problems.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear away excess wax. Let the solution sit for several minutes, then tip your head to allow it to drain.
Medication-related hearing problems
Hearing issues are one of the unexpected side effects of certain medications. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impair your hearing.
If you notice changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s essential to contact your doctor. They can identify whether your hearing loss is connected 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 wonderful sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. Schedule an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.