Autumn brings in its own compelling 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 enjoyable your fall experience will be if those sounds start to fade away.
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. By taking hands-on steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound of this fall’s magic.
Protect your hearing from loud sounds
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Hearing loss can start to occur when you’re exposed to sounds louder than 85 decibels (dB) resulting in damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
One-time loud events can result in temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it’s not always possible to counter the damage. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, such as regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also result in permanent issues.
Autumn ear protection guidelines
- Wear 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 enjoy yourself.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to counter damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can expose you to dangerously loud noise levels.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures go down, don’t forget to protect your ears from the cold. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. 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. Neglected ear infections can trigger more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and overall health.
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: Get evaluated 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 frequently thought of as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your total ear health. However, too much earwax can become problematic, especially if it blocks your hearing.
Many individuals use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common practice can actually pack 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 prevent further issues by using specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by utilizing over-the-counter earwax solutions or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
Medication-related hearing problems
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing issues. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, including diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you detect any hearing changes after you start using a new medication. They can determine whether your hearing loss is connected to the medication and advise you on the best plan of action.
Take action at the first indication 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. If you detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us for a comprehensive assessment.