Autumn brings in its own compelling sounds you don’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching under your feet, and children laughing and playing. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muddled, diminishing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing issues can be avoided or treated with simple precautions. By taking proactive steps to safeguard 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 loss. Hearing loss can begin to happen when you’re exposed to noises above 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the fragile 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 cause temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it isn’t always possible to counter the damage. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, such as regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also cause permanent issues.
Autumn hearing protection guidelines
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone usage and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- 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.
- Wear earplugs at events: Utilize earplugs at Halloween gatherings or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures drop, remember to protect your ears from the cold. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible to infections, which in turn can affect your hearing. Ear infections are more common when it’s cold out and both adults and children are vulnerable.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause swelling and fluid buildup in the middle ear, leading to discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can affect both your hearing health and your overall 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, talk to a healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and treatment.
Safe ear cleaning tips
While earwax is usually viewed as a nuisance, it plays a critical role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, excessive earwax can become problematic, especially 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 options:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize 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: Come in to see us if you think you might have a wax blockage or if you’re uncertain how to best clean your ears. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
Medication-related hearing issues
Hearing problems are one of the unexpected side effects of some medications. 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 beginning a new medication, it’s essential to contact your doctor. 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 notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us for a thorough evaluation.