As the cool air and bright colors of autumn set in, so do the sounds that make this season special, children laughing as they trick-or-treat, the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, reducing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Fortunately, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be compromised because many of the causes of hearing loss can be prevented by taking some basic protective measures. 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
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss can start to occur when you’re exposed to noises louder than 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the fragile structures of the inner ear.
What are common sources of damaging noise?
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can lead to hearing loss that is usually temporary and will improve over a day or two. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also result in permanent problems.
Tips for safeguarding your ears in autumn
- Use earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween gatherings or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone use and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be enticing, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can certainly damage your hearing.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable 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 susceptible.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, resulting in discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can impact both your hearing health and your overall health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get assessed and treated by a healthcare provider right away if you experience sudden hearing loss, have pain in your ear, or have any fluid draining from your ear.
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
Earwax, while frequently regarded as a nuisance, traps debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your overall ear health. However, too much earwax can become troublesome, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can jam earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Here are some better cleaning suggestions:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by utilizing over-the-counter earwax solutions or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. After the drops have been in your ear for a few minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you suspect you might 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 remove the earwax.
Medication-related hearing issues
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.
If you notice changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s essential to contact your doctor. Whether your hearing loss is caused by a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
Take action at the first sign of hearing loss
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 make an appointment with us for a thorough evaluation.