As the crisp air and bright colors of autumn set in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, kids laughing as they trick-or-treat, the gratifying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine how much less pleasant your fall experience will be if those sounds begin to fade away.
Fortunately, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be compromised because many of the causes of hearing loss can be avoided by taking some simple protective measures. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be proactive about safeguarding your hearing.
Protect your hearing from loud sounds
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Hearing loss can start to occur when you’re exposed to noises louder than 85 decibels (dB) leading to damage to the delicate 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
Occasionally attending a loud event can cause hearing loss that is usually temporary and will clear up 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 result in permanent problems.
Autumn hearing protection guidelines
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone use and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Use earplugs at events: Use earplugs at Halloween gatherings or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right next to the speakers at an event can expose you to dangerously high noise levels.
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 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 accumulation and inflammation of the middle ear. If an ear infection is neglected, it can affect both your hearing health and your general health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Preventive 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: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
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, excessive earwax can become troublesome, especially if it blocks your hearing.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can jam earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Here are some better cleaning solutions:
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you think 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.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear away excess wax. After the drops have been in your ear for several minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
Medication-related hearing issues
Hearing issues are one of the unexpected side effects of certain medications. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impede your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you experience any hearing changes after you start taking 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 notice signs of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal experiences 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 thorough evaluation.
