Autumn brings in its own compelling 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 how much less enjoyable your fall experience will be if those sounds begin to fade away.
Luckily, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be compromised because many of the causes of hearing loss can be avoided 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 loss. Hearing loss can start to happen when you’re exposed to noises louder than 85 decibels (dB) leading to damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
One-time loud events can cause temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it’s not always possible to reverse 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.
Tips for protecting your ears in autumn
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right next to the speakers at an event can expose you to hazardously loud noise levels.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone use and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Use earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween events or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures fall, remember to protect your ears from the chill. 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 susceptible.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and inflammation of the middle ear. Untreated ear infections can cause more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and total health.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- 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.
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
While earwax is frequently viewed as a nuisance, it plays a vital role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. However, too much earwax can become problematic, especially if it blocks your hearing.
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 suggestions:
- Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain about cleaning your ears or suspect you have a wax blockage, come see us for a consultation. We can prevent further issues by using specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften the earwax by utilizing over-the-counter earwax solutions or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. After the drops have been in your ear for a few minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
Medication-induced hearing problems
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing issues. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you notice any hearing changes after you start using a new medication. 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.
Take action at the first sign of hearing loss
Seasonal activities in autumn are full of memorable 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.
