Autumn brings in its own engaging sounds you don’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching under your feet, and kids laughing and playing. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, reducing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing issues can be avoided or treated 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 hearing from loud noises
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss can begin to occur when you’re exposed to noises above 85 decibels (dB) resulting in damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
What are typical sources of harmful 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 immediate medical care can help, it’s not always possible to counter the damage. 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 guidelines
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right next to the speakers at an event can subject you to hazardously loud noise levels.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to prevent damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
- Use earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, use earplugs to lower the volume without muting the experience.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures fall, remember to protect your ears from the cold. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you susceptible to ear infections. Ear infections are more common when it’s cold out and both adults and children are vulnerable.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and swelling of the middle ear. Neglected ear infections can trigger more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and overall health.
Protective 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.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
Earwax, while often thought of as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing a vital role in your overall ear health. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and result in significant issues.
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common practice can actually pack the wax further into your ear canal, creating blockages and even harming the ear. Here are some better cleaning solutions:
- 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 tilt your head to allow it to drain.
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you suspect you may have a wax blockage or if you’re not sure how to best clean your ears. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further problems.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Hearing issues are one of the unforeseen side effects of certain medications. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
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 related to the medication and advise you on the best plan of action.
As soon as you detect signs of hearing loss, take action
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 comprehensive evaluation.