Autumn brings in its own engaging sounds you won’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching under your feet, and kids laughing and playing. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muddled, reducing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Luckily, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be compromised because many of the causes of hearing loss can be avoided by taking some basic protective measures. 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
The most common cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
One-time loud events can result in temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it’s not 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 result in permanent issues.
Tips for protecting your ears in autumn
- Avoid sitting beside 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.
- Wear earplugs at events: Utilize earplugs at Halloween events or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone use and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to protect your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable to infections, which in turn can affect your hearing. Adults are just as vulnerable to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and inflammation of the middle ear. Untreated ear infections can cause more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and overall health.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, talk to a healthcare provider immediately for evaluation 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 critical role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and result in considerable problems.
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common habit can actually pack the wax further into your ear canal, creating blockages and even damaging the ear. Better cleaning methods include:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by utilizing over-the-counter earwax solutions or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. After the drops have been in your ear for a few minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you think you might have a wax blockage or if you’re unsure how to best clean your ears. We can prevent further problems by making use of specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
Medication-related hearing problems
Hearing issues are one of the unexpected side effects of certain medications. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impair your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you notice any hearing changes after you begin using a new medication. Whether your hearing loss is due to a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
Take action at the first sign of hearing loss
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.