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 kids laughing and playing. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, diminishing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing problems can be avoided or managed with simple safeguards. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be proactive about safeguarding your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Hearing impairment can begin to occur when you’re exposed to sounds louder than 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
One-time loud events can result in temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it’s not always possible to reverse the damage. Repeated exposure to loud noises, like attending concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can cause more permanent hearing loss.
Guidelines for protecting your hearing in autumn
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right next to the speakers at an event can subject you to dangerously high noise levels.
- Wear earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween gatherings, use earplugs to reduce the volume without muting the experience.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures fall, remember to protect your ears from the cold. Cold weather can have a huge 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.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, leading to discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Neglected ear infections can trigger more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and total health.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get evaluated and treated by a healthcare provider right away if you experience sudden hearing loss, have pain in your ear, or have any fluid draining from your ear.
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Safe ear cleaning tips
Earwax, while frequently regarded as a nuisance, traps debris, dust, and insects, playing a vital role in your overall ear health. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and lead to significant issues.
Many individuals use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common practice can actually pack the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even harming the ear. Better cleaning solutions include:
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you think you may have a wax blockage or if you’re unsure how to best clean your ears. We can prevent further problems by using specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
- 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 a few minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
Medication-related hearing issues
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing problems. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
If you observe changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s essential to contact your doctor. They can determine whether your hearing loss is due to the medication and advise you on the best course of action.
As soon as you notice signs of hearing loss, take action
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 thorough evaluation.
