As the crisp air and bright colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season special, kids 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 begin to fade away.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing problems can be avoided or treated with simple precautions. By taking hands-on 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 over 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
What are typical sources of damaging noise?
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can lead to hearing loss that is normally temporary and will clear up over a day or two. Repeated exposure to loud noises, like attending concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can result in more permanent hearing loss.
Autumn ear protection tips
- Wear earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, use earplugs to decrease the volume without muting the experience.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can subject you to hazardously loud noise levels.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone use and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
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 vulnerable.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can trigger inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, leading to discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Untreated ear infections can trigger more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and overall health.
Protective measures for cold weather
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get assessed 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.
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
While earwax is usually viewed as a nuisance, it plays a crucial role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and result in considerable issues.
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 methods include:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Use a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear out excess wax. Let the solution sit for several minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
- Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, come see us for a consultation. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing problems. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, including diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you notice any hearing changes after you start 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
Fall is filled with unique sounds you don’t want to miss. If you detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a comprehensive evaluation.