Autumn brings in its own engaging sounds you don’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, diminishing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Luckily, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be jeopardized because many of the causes of hearing loss can be avoided by taking some simple protective steps. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be assertive about safeguarding your hearing.
Protect your hearing from loud sounds
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 impairment.
What are common sources of harmful noise?
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can result in hearing loss that is normally temporary and will improve over a day or two. Repeated exposure to loud noises, like going to concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can result in more irreversible hearing loss.
Autumn hearing protection tips
- Use earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, bring earplugs to reduce the volume without muting the experience.
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone use and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be enticing, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can definitely damage your hearing.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to protect your ears from the cold as temperatures drop. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. Ear infections are more prevalent when it’s cold out and both adults and children are vulnerable.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and swelling of the middle ear. Untreated ear infections can trigger more serious complications, affecting both your hearing and overall health.
Preventive measures for cold weather
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, consult a healthcare provider right away for evaluation and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
While earwax is frequently viewed as a nuisance, it plays a crucial role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, too much earwax can become problematic, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common practice can actually push the wax further into your ear canal, creating blockages and even harming the ear. Here are some better cleaning options:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear out 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 suspect you may have a wax blockage or if you’re unsure how to best clean your ears. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further problems.
Medication-induced hearing issues
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing issues. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you notice any hearing changes after you begin using a new medication. Whether your hearing loss is because of a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will help you with.
Take action at the first sign of hearing loss
Seasonal experiences in autumn are full of wonderful sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. Make an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.