Autumn brings in its own engaging sounds you don’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 enjoyable your fall experience will be if those sounds start 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 proactive about safeguarding your hearing.
Safeguard your hearing from loud noises
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing impairment.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
One-time loud events can trigger temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it isn’t always possible to counter the damage. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, such as regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also lead to permanent issues.
Tips for protecting your hearing in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: In order to counter damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can subject you to dangerously high noise levels.
- Use earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween gatherings or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures drop. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible 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 cause swelling and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, causing discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Untreated ear infections can cause more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and overall health.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, consult a healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and treatment.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is frequently viewed as a nuisance, it plays a crucial role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. However, too much earwax can block your ear canal and lead to significant problems.
Many individuals use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common habit can actually pack the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even damaging the ear. Here are some better cleaning suggestions:
- Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can prevent further issues by using specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
- 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, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
Hearing loss related to medication
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing issues. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
If you observe changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s important to contact your doctor. Whether your hearing loss is due to 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. Schedule an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.