As the crisp air and vibrant 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 how much less pleasant your fall experience will be if those sounds start to fade away.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing problems can be avoided or treated with simple safeguards. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be proactive about safeguarding your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
The most common cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss can begin to happen when you’re exposed to noises louder than 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
What are common sources of harmful noise?
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
One-time loud events can result in temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it isn’t always possible to reverse the damage. Recurring exposure to loud noises, like attending concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can cause more permanent hearing loss.
Autumn ear protection tips
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
- Wear earplugs at events: Make use of 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 it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right next to the speakers at an event can subject you to hazardously loud noise levels.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to protect your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you susceptible to ear infections. Adults are just as prone to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and inflammation of the middle ear. Untreated ear infections can trigger more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and total health.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, talk to a healthcare provider right away for assessment and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
Earwax, while often regarded as a nuisance, traps debris, dust, and insects, playing a vital role in your overall ear health. However, excessive 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. Better cleaning solutions include:
- Consult a professional: If you’re unsure about cleaning your ears or suspect you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further problems.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften 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 several minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
Medication-induced hearing problems
Hearing issues 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.
Let your doctor know if you notice any hearing changes after you begin using a new medication. They can identify whether your hearing loss is connected to the medication and advise you on the best plan of action.
As soon as you experience indications of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal activities in autumn are full of wonderful sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. If you notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us for a thorough evaluation.
