Autumn brings in its own compelling sounds you won’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching beneath your feet, and children laughing and playing. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, diminishing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing issues can be avoided or treated with simple precautions. By taking hands-on steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat of this fall’s magic.
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 begin to happen when you’re exposed to noises louder than 85 decibels (dB) resulting in damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
What are typical sources of harmful noise?
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 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. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, such as regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also cause lasting problems.
Autumn ear protection guidelines
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
- Wear earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween parties or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
- 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 hazardously loud noise levels.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures drop. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. Adults are just as vulnerable to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can trigger swelling and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, leading to discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can impact both your hearing health and your general health, leading to more serious health issues.
Preventive measures for cold weather
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get evaluated 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.
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by entirely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
Earwax, while often regarded as a nuisance, traps debris, dust, and insects, playing a vital role in your overall ear health. However, too much earwax can become troublesome, especially if it blocks your hearing.
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common habit can actually pack the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even harming the ear. Here are some better cleaning suggestions:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Use a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear away excess wax. Let the solution sit for several minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
- 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.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Hearing problems are one of the unexpected side effects of certain medications. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impede your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you detect any hearing changes after you start using a new medication. Whether your hearing loss is caused by a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will help you with.
As soon as you detect indications of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal activities 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 make an appointment with us for a thorough assessment.
