As the crisp air and bright colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season special, kids 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 muddled, decreasing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
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 precautions. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be proactive about safeguarding your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can compromise the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing impairment.
What are common sources of harmful noise?
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can cause 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 result in permanent problems.
Autumn hearing protection tips
- Use earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, use earplugs to reduce the volume without muting the experience.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone use and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be enticing, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can certainly damage your hearing.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures fall, remember to protect your ears from the cold. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible to infections, which in turn can affect your hearing. Adults are just as prone to ear infections as children, especially when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and inflammation of the middle ear. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can impact both your hearing health and your general health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Protective measures for cold weather
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by entirely 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, talk to a healthcare provider right away for assessment and treatment.
Safe ear cleaning tips
Earwax, while often thought of as a nuisance, traps debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your overall ear health. However, too much earwax can block your ear canal and lead to substantial problems.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can push earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Better cleaning solutions include:
- Consult a professional: If you’re unsure about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Use 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 a few minutes, then tip your head to allow it to drain.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing problems. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impede your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you detect any hearing changes after you begin using a new medication. Whether your hearing loss is related to a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
As soon as you detect signs of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with unique 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.