Autumn brings in its own engaging 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, reducing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing issues can be avoided or managed with simple safeguards. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound of this fall’s magic.
Protect your hearing from loud noises
The most common cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing loss.
What are typical sources of damaging noise?
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
One-time loud events can trigger temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it’s not 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 lead to lasting problems.
Autumn hearing protection guidelines
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right next to the speakers at an event can expose you to dangerously loud noise levels.
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone use and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Use earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween parties, bring earplugs to reduce the volume without muting the experience.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable to infections, which in turn can affect your hearing. Adults are just as vulnerable to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation 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.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get assessed 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.
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
Earwax, while frequently thought of as a nuisance, traps debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your total ear health. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and result in significant issues.
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common practice can actually pack the wax further into your ear canal, creating 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. 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 making use of specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
Medication-induced hearing problems
Hearing problems are one of the unexpected side effects of some medications. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impede your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you detect any hearing changes after you begin taking a new medication. They can determine whether your hearing loss is related to the medication and advise you on the best course of action.
As soon as you detect indications of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with memorable 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 comprehensive evaluation.