As the cool air and bright 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 enjoyable your fall experience will be if those sounds begin to fade away.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing issues can be avoided or managed with simple precautions. By taking proactive steps to protect your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound of this fall’s magic.
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, leading to hearing loss.
What are prevalent sources of damaging noise?
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
One-time loud events can result in temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it isn’t always possible to counter the damage. Repeated exposure to loud noises, like attending concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can cause more permanent hearing loss.
Autumn hearing protection tips
- Use earplugs at events: Utilize earplugs at Halloween events or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
- 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 hazardously high noise levels.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to prevent damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
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.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can trigger inflammation and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, causing discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Untreated ear infections can cause more serious complications, affecting both your hearing and total health.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- 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 completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is frequently 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 options:
- 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 a few minutes, tip 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 problems.
Medication-related hearing issues
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing issues. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impede your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you notice any hearing changes after you begin using a new medication. Whether your hearing loss is related to a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
Take action at the first indication of hearing loss
Fall is filled with unique sounds you don’t want to miss. If you detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us for a thorough assessment.