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 children laughing and playing. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, reducing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Fortunately, 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 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. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing impairment.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can result in hearing loss that is usually temporary and will clear up over a day or two. 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.
Autumn ear protection guidelines
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone use and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Wear earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, use 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, remember to protect your ears from the cold. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Ear infections are more common when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can cause 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 overall health, leading to more serious health issues.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by entirely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
- 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 assessment and treatment.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
Earwax, while frequently regarded as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your total ear health. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and lead to significant issues.
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 unsure 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 issues.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften the earwax by using over-the-counter earwax drops or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. After the drops have been in your ear for several 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, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you experience any hearing changes after you start using a new medication. They can identify whether your hearing loss is connected to the medication and advise you on the best course of action.
As soon as you notice indications of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with unique sounds you don’t want to miss. Make an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.