As the cool air and vibrant colors of autumn set 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 how much less enjoyable your fall experience will be if those sounds start to fade away.
Luckily, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be compromised because many of the causes of hearing loss can be avoided by taking some basic protective measures. By taking hands-on steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound of this fall’s magic.
Safeguard your hearing from loud sounds
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Hearing impairment can start to happen when you’re exposed to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) leading to damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
What are prevalent sources of damaging noise?
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can result in hearing loss that is usually temporary and will improve over a day or two. 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.
Autumn ear protection tips
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be enticing, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can definitely damage your hearing.
- Wear earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, bring earplugs to reduce the volume without muting the experience.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to counter damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to protect your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you susceptible to ear infections. Ear infections are more prevalent when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and inflammation of the middle ear. Neglected ear infections can cause more serious complications, affecting both your hearing and total health.
Preventive measures for cold weather
- 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.
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by entirely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Safe ear cleaning tips
While earwax is often viewed as a nuisance, it plays a vital role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and result in considerable problems.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can jam earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Here are some better cleaning suggestions:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by utilizing over-the-counter earwax solutions or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. After the drops have been in your ear for a few minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you suspect you might have a wax blockage or if you’re not sure how to best clean your ears. We can prevent further problems by using specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Hearing issues are one of the unexpected side effects of certain medications. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impair your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you notice any hearing changes after you start using a new medication. Whether your hearing loss is because of a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will help you with.
As soon as you experience indications of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal experiences in autumn are full of memorable sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. If you notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us for a thorough evaluation.
