Autumn brings in its own compelling 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 issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing problems can be avoided or managed with simple safeguards. By taking hands-on steps to protect your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound of this fall’s magic.
Safeguard your hearing from loud noises
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Hearing impairment can begin to happen when you’re exposed to sounds louder than 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can cause hearing loss that is typically temporary and will clear up 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 result in permanent issues.
Autumn hearing protection tips
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be enticing, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can absolutely damage your hearing.
- Use earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, use earplugs to decrease the volume without muting the experience.
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone usage and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures drop, don’t forget to protect your ears from the chill. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Adults are just as prone to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause swelling and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, leading to discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Untreated ear infections can cause more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and total health.
Preventive measures for cold weather
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get assessed and treated by a healthcare provider right away 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 often thought of as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your total ear health. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and result in considerable problems.
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: Use 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.
- 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 safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Hearing problems are one of the unforeseen side effects of certain medications. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, including diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
If you observe changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s important to contact your doctor. They can determine whether your hearing loss is connected to the medication and advise you on the best plan of action.
Take action at the first indication 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 schedule an appointment with us for a comprehensive evaluation.