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 children 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 fortunately, many hearing issues can be avoided or treated with simple precautions. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be assertive about protecting your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing impairment.
What are common sources of damaging noise?
- 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 prompt medical care can help, it isn’t always possible to reverse the damage. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also result in permanent issues.
Tips for safeguarding your ears in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: In order to counter damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit 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.
- Wear earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, use earplugs to reduce the volume without muting the experience.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures fall, don’t forget to protect your ears from the chill. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Adults are just as prone to ear infections as children, especially when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and swelling of the middle ear. Untreated ear infections can cause more serious complications, affecting both your hearing and total health.
Protective measures for cold weather
- 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 entirely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Safe ear cleaning tips
While earwax is often viewed as a nuisance, it plays a vital role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, too much earwax can become problematic, 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 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 safely clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further problems.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften the earwax by utilizing over-the-counter earwax drops or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Let the solution sit for several minutes, then tip your head to allow it to drain.
Hearing loss related to medication
Hearing problems are one of the unforeseen side effects of certain medications. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impair your hearing.
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 help you with.
Take action at the first indication of hearing loss
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 make an appointment with us for a thorough evaluation.