As the crisp air and bright colors of autumn set in, so do the sounds that make this season special, children laughing as they trick-or-treat, the satisfying 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.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing issues can be avoided or treated with simple safeguards. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be assertive about protecting your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
The most common cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Hearing impairment can begin to occur when you’re exposed to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the fragile structures of the inner ear.
What are prevalent sources of harmful noise?
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 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 cause lasting problems.
Tips for safeguarding your hearing in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: In order to prevent damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can expose you to dangerously loud noise levels.
- Use earplugs at events: Utilize earplugs at Halloween gatherings 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
Remember to protect your ears from the cold as temperatures drop. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. Adults are just as susceptible to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can trigger inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, resulting in discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Neglected ear infections can trigger more serious complications, affecting both your hearing and total health.
Preventive 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: 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.
Safe ear cleaning tips
Earwax, while frequently regarded as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your overall ear health. However, excessive earwax can become problematic, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
Many individuals 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. Better cleaning methods include:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften the earwax by using over-the-counter earwax solutions or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Let the solution sit for several minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
- Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, come see us for a consultation. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
Hearing loss related to medication
Hearing problems are one of the unexpected side effects of certain medications. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you experience any hearing changes after you start taking a new medication. Whether your hearing loss is because of a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
Take action at the first sign of hearing loss
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 assessment.
