As the crisp air and bright colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, children laughing as they trick-or-treat, the gratifying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muddled, reducing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
Luckily, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be jeopardized because many of the causes of hearing loss can be prevented by taking some simple protective measures. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be assertive about safeguarding your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can lead to hearing loss that is typically temporary and will improve over a day or two. Recurring exposure to loud noises, like going to concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can result in more permanent hearing loss.
Tips for protecting your ears in autumn
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be tempting, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can absolutely damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to counter damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
- Wear earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, bring earplugs to decrease the volume without muting the experience.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures go down, don’t forget to safeguard your ears from the cold. 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.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and inflammation of the middle ear. If an ear infection is neglected, it can affect both your hearing health and your general health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
- 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.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
Earwax, while frequently thought of as a nuisance, traps debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your overall ear health. However, excessive earwax can become problematic, especially if it blocks your hearing.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can push earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Here are some better cleaning suggestions:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften the earwax by utilizing over-the-counter earwax drops or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Let the solution sit for several minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
- Consult a professional: If you’re not sure about cleaning your ears or suspect you have a wax blockage, come see us for a consultation. We can safely clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing issues. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impair your hearing.
If you notice changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s important to contact your physician. They can determine whether your hearing loss is related to the medication and advise you on the best plan of action.
As soon as you experience indications of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with unique sounds you don’t want to miss. If you notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a comprehensive evaluation.
