Autumn brings in its own compelling sounds you won’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching beneath your feet, and kids laughing and playing. Now imagine how much less pleasant your fall experience will be if those sounds start 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 simple protective steps. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be assertive about protecting your hearing.
Safeguard your hearing from loud noises
The most common cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Hearing loss can begin to happen when you’re exposed to noises above 85 decibels (dB) leading to damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear.
What are typical sources of harmful noise?
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
One-time loud events can result in 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 lead to permanent issues.
Tips for safeguarding 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 high noise levels.
- Use earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween parties, use earplugs to reduce the volume without muting the experience.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to prevent damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures drop, remember to protect your ears from the cold. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable to infections, which in turn can affect your hearing. Ear infections are more prevalent when it’s cold out and both adults and children are vulnerable.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can trigger swelling and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, causing discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection is neglected, it can impact both your hearing health and your general health, resulting in more serious health issues.
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, contact 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.
Tips for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is frequently viewed as a nuisance, it plays a critical role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. However, excessive earwax can become troublesome, particularly 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 options:
- 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 tip your head to allow it to drain.
- Consult a professional: If you’re not sure about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can prevent further problems by using specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
Medication-induced hearing problems
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing problems. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you experience any hearing changes after you start using 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 detect signs of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. Schedule an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.