As the crisp 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.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing issues can be avoided or treated with simple safeguards. 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
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss can begin to happen when you’re exposed to noises louder than 85 decibels (dB) leading to damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear.
What are prevalent sources of damaging noise?
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can result in hearing loss that is normally 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 cause lasting issues.
Autumn ear protection guidelines
- Use earplugs at events: Utilize earplugs at Halloween parties or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone usage and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be enticing, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can certainly damage your hearing.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to protect your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. Ear infections are more common when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can cause inflammation and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, leading to discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection is neglected, it can affect both your hearing health and your general health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, contact a healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and treatment.
Tips for safe ear cleaning
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, too much earwax can block your ear canal and lead to significant issues.
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common practice can actually push the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even damaging the ear. Here are some better cleaning options:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Use 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 a few minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you suspect you might have a wax blockage or if you’re uncertain how to best clean your ears. We can prevent further problems by making use of specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
Medication-related hearing problems
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing issues. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impede your hearing.
If you notice changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s essential to contact your doctor. Whether your hearing loss is caused by a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will help you with.
As soon as you detect signs of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal experiences 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 make an appointment with us for a thorough assessment.