As the crisp air and bright colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, kids 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 problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing problems can be avoided or managed with simple safeguards. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be proactive about protecting your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Hearing loss can begin to happen when you’re exposed to noises above 85 decibels (dB) leading to damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
What are typical sources of harmful noise?
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can lead to hearing loss that is typically temporary and will clear up over a day or two. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, such as regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also result in lasting problems.
Guidelines for safeguarding your ears in autumn
- Wear earplugs at events: Use earplugs at Halloween parties or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be enticing, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can certainly damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone use and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures drop. 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.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup 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.
Preventive measures for cold weather
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by completely 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, consult a healthcare provider immediately for assessment and treatment.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
While earwax is often viewed as a nuisance, it plays a crucial 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 issues.
Many individuals use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common habit can actually push the wax further into your ear canal, creating blockages and even harming the ear. Here are some better cleaning options:
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you think you may have a wax blockage or if you’re not sure how to best clean your ears. We can safely clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Use a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear out excess wax. Let the solution sit for several minutes, then tip your head to allow it to drain.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Hearing problems are one of the unforeseen side effects of some medications. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
If you notice changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s essential to contact your physician. They can determine whether your hearing loss is connected to the medication and advise you on the best plan of action.
As soon as you notice indications of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal experiences 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 schedule an appointment with us for a comprehensive assessment.