As the cool air and vibrant colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, children laughing as they trick-or-treat, the gratifying 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 issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing problems 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.
Safeguard your hearing from loud sounds
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Hearing impairment can start to occur when you’re exposed to noises louder than 85 decibels (dB) resulting in damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 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 sustained exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also lead to lasting issues.
Tips for protecting your ears in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone use and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Use earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween parties, bring earplugs to lower the volume without muting the experience.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be enticing, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can absolutely damage your hearing.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures drop, don’t forget to safeguard your ears from the cold. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. Adults are just as prone to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
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 trigger more serious complications, affecting both your hearing and total health.
Protective measures for cold weather
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get assessed 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.
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Safe ear cleaning tips
Earwax, while often thought of as a nuisance, traps debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your overall ear health. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and lead to substantial problems.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can jam earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Better cleaning solutions include:
- 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 problems by using specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear out excess wax. After the drops have been in your ear for several minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
Medication-induced hearing problems
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing issues. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impede your hearing.
If you notice changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s essential to contact your doctor. They can identify whether your hearing loss is connected to the medication and advise you on the best plan of action.
As soon as you experience 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.
