Autumn brings in its own engaging sounds you won’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching beneath your feet, and children laughing and playing. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muddled, decreasing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing issues can be avoided or managed with simple precautions. By taking proactive steps to protect your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat of this fall’s magic.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. 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 damaging noise?
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
One-time loud events can trigger temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it’s not always possible to reverse the damage. Repeated exposure to loud noises, like attending concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can cause more permanent hearing loss.
Guidelines for protecting your ears in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone usage and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be tempting, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can certainly damage your hearing.
- Use earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween events or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures go down, don’t forget to safeguard your ears from the cold. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Adults are just as prone to ear infections as children, especially when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and inflammation of the middle ear. If an ear infection is neglected, it can impact both your hearing health and your general health, leading to more serious health issues.
Preventive 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: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, consult a healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and treatment.
Safe ear cleaning tips
While earwax is usually viewed as a nuisance, it plays a vital role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. However, excessive earwax can become problematic, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
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:
- 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 prevent further problems by making use of specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear away excess wax. Let the solution sit for several minutes, then tip your head to allow it to drain.
Medication-induced hearing problems
Hearing problems are one of the unexpected side effects of some medications. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you notice any hearing changes after you start using a new medication. They can determine whether your hearing loss is related to the medication and advise you on the best course of action.
As soon as you experience indications of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal activities in autumn are full of memorable 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 thorough assessment.