Autumn brings in its own engaging sounds you don’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 pleasant your fall experience will be if those sounds begin to fade away.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing issues can be avoided or treated with simple safeguards. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be proactive about protecting your hearing.
Protect your hearing from loud sounds
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Hearing impairment can begin to occur when you’re exposed to noises above 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
What are typical sources of damaging noise?
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
One-time loud events can trigger temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it isn’t always possible to counter the damage. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also lead to lasting problems.
Tips for protecting your ears in autumn
- 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 definitely damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to counter damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
- Use earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween events or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures fall, remember to safeguard your ears from the chill. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you susceptible to ear infections. Ear infections are more common when it’s cold out and both adults and children are vulnerable.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and swelling of the middle ear. If an ear infection is neglected, it can affect both your hearing health and your general health, leading to more serious health issues.
Protective measures for cold weather
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
- 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.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
Earwax, while often thought of as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing a vital role in your total ear health. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and result in significant problems.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can push earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Here are some better cleaning suggestions:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize 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 several minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you think you may have a wax blockage or if you’re unsure how to best clean your ears. We can prevent further issues by making use of specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
Medication-induced hearing problems
Hearing problems are one of the unforeseen side effects of some medications. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impair your hearing.
If you observe changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s important to contact your physician. Whether your hearing loss is due to a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will help you with.
As soon as you experience signs of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal activities in autumn are full of wonderful sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. If you detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us for a comprehensive evaluation.
