Autumn brings in its own engaging sounds you won’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching under your feet, and children laughing and playing. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muddled, diminishing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing problems can be avoided or treated with simple safeguards. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat of this fall’s magic.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Hearing loss can start to happen when you’re exposed to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
What are typical sources of harmful noise?
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can lead to hearing loss that is usually temporary and will improve over a day or two. Recurring exposure to loud noises, like going to concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can result in more permanent hearing loss.
Autumn hearing protection tips
- Use earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, use earplugs to reduce the volume without muting the experience.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be tempting, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can definitely damage your hearing.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. Adults are just as prone 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 inflammation of the middle ear. Untreated ear infections can trigger more serious complications, affecting both your hearing and overall health.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, talk to a healthcare provider right away for assessment and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by entirely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
While earwax is often viewed as a nuisance, it plays a crucial role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. 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. Here are some better cleaning suggestions:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by using over-the-counter earwax solutions or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. After the drops have been in your ear for several minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: If you’re unsure about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can safely clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
Hearing loss related to medication
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing problems. 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 begin taking a new medication. They can determine whether your hearing loss is connected to the medication and advise you on the best plan of action.
Take action at the first indication of hearing loss
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. Make an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.