As the cool air and bright colors of autumn set in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, 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 start to fade away.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing issues can be avoided or managed with simple safeguards. By taking hands-on steps to protect your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat of this fall’s magic.
Safeguard your hearing from loud noises
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can compromise 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 result in hearing loss that is normally temporary and will clear up over a day or two. Repeated 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.
Guidelines for protecting your hearing in autumn
- Wear 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 enjoy yourself.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be tempting, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can absolutely damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to prevent damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Adults are just as prone to ear infections as children, especially 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 swelling of the middle ear. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can affect both your hearing health and your general health, leading to more serious health issues.
Preventive measures for cold weather
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, consult a healthcare provider right away for evaluation and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is often viewed as a nuisance, it plays a vital role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, too much earwax can become troublesome, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
Many individuals use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common habit can actually push the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even damaging the ear. Better cleaning solutions 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. After the drops have been in your ear for a few minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
- 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 problems by making use of specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing issues. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
If you notice changes in your hearing after starting 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 detect signs of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. Schedule an appointment for a consultation if you detect any changes to your hearing.
