As the crisp air and vibrant colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season special, kids 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 steps. By taking hands-on steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound of this fall’s magic.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Hearing loss can start to happen when you’re exposed to noises louder than 85 decibels (dB) resulting in damage to the fragile structures of the inner ear.
What are typical 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 cause hearing loss that is usually temporary and will improve over a day or two. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also result in lasting issues.
Autumn hearing protection guidelines
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be tempting, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can definitely damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone usage and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Use earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween events or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures fall, remember to safeguard your ears from the cold. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you susceptible to ear infections. Ear infections are more prevalent when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and swelling 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.
Protective measures for cold weather
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, contact a healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
Safe ear cleaning tips
While earwax is frequently viewed as a nuisance, it plays a crucial role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and lead to considerable issues.
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common practice can actually push the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even harming the ear. Here are some better cleaning options:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by utilizing over-the-counter earwax drops or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Let the solution sit for a few 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 prevent further issues by using specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
Medication-related hearing problems
Hearing issues are one of the unexpected side effects of some medications. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impair your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you experience 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.
As soon as you notice signs of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. Make an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.