Autumn brings in its own engaging 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 enjoyable your fall experience will be if those sounds start to fade away.
Fortunately, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be jeopardized because many of the causes of hearing loss can be prevented by taking some simple protective measures. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat of this fall’s magic.
Safeguard your hearing from loud noises
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Hearing loss can begin to occur when you’re exposed to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) leading to 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
One-time loud events can cause temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it’s not always possible to counter the damage. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, such as regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also cause lasting issues.
Autumn hearing protection guidelines
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone use and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Use earplugs at events: Use earplugs at Halloween gatherings or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be enticing, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can absolutely damage your hearing.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures go down, remember to protect your ears from the chill. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible to infections, which in turn can impact 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 inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, resulting in discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can impact both your hearing health and your overall health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- 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 guidelines
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 become problematic, especially if it blocks your hearing.
Many individuals use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common practice 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 suspect you have a wax blockage, come see us for a consultation. We can prevent further issues by making use of specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Use 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 a few minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
Hearing loss related to medication
Hearing issues are one of the unexpected side effects of some 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 starting a new medication, it’s essential to contact your physician. Whether your hearing loss is because of a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
As soon as you notice signs of hearing loss, take action
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 notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a comprehensive evaluation.
