As the cool air and bright colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, children laughing as they trick-or-treat, the satisfying 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 cherished moments.
Luckily, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be jeopardized because many of the causes of hearing loss can be prevented by taking some basic protective measures. By taking hands-on steps to protect your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound 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 impairment. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can cause hearing loss that is usually temporary and will improve over a day or two. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, such as regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also cause permanent problems.
Guidelines for protecting your ears in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone use and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Use earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween gatherings, use earplugs to lower the volume without muting the experience.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be tempting, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously 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 drop. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Ear infections are more prevalent when it’s cold out and both adults and children are vulnerable.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and inflammation of the middle ear. Untreated ear infections can trigger more serious complications, affecting both your hearing and total health.
Protective 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: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Safe ear cleaning tips
While earwax is frequently viewed as a nuisance, it plays a vital role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, too much earwax can block your ear canal and lead to considerable issues.
Many individuals use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common habit can actually pack the wax further into your ear canal, creating blockages and even damaging the ear. Here are some better cleaning suggestions:
- Consult a professional: If you’re unsure about cleaning your ears or suspect you have a wax blockage, come see us for a consultation. We can prevent further problems by using specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
- 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 tip your head to allow it to drain.
Medication-related hearing problems
Hearing issues are one of the unexpected side effects of some medications. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impede your hearing.
If you observe changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s essential to contact your doctor. They can determine whether your hearing loss is related to the medication and advise you on the best plan of action.
Take action at the first sign of hearing loss
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. If you notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a comprehensive evaluation.