As the cool air and bright colors of autumn set in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, kids 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, decreasing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing issues can be avoided or managed with simple safeguards. By taking proactive steps to protect your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound of this fall’s magic.
Protect your ears from noise
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss can start to occur when you’re exposed to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
One-time loud events can result in temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it isn’t always possible to counter the damage. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also result in lasting problems.
Autumn hearing protection tips
- Wear earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, bring earplugs to lower 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.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can subject you to hazardously loud noise levels.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to protect your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. 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 susceptible.
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. If an ear infection is neglected, it can affect both your hearing health and your general health, leading to more serious health issues.
Preventive measures for cold weather
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get evaluated 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: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
Safe ear cleaning tips
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 people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common habit can actually push the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even damaging the ear. Better cleaning methods include:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear out excess wax. Let the solution sit for several minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
- Consult a professional: If you’re not sure 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 problems.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing issues. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impair your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you experience any hearing changes after you begin using a new medication. They can identify whether your hearing loss is due to the medication and advise you on the best plan of action.
As soon as you experience indications of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal activities in autumn are full of wonderful sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. If you detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a comprehensive evaluation.