As the cool air and vibrant colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, children laughing as they trick-or-treat, the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine how much less enjoyable your fall experience will be if those sounds begin to fade away.
Fortunately, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be compromised because many of the causes of hearing loss can be avoided by taking some simple protective steps. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be assertive about safeguarding your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
The most common cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can compromise the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing impairment.
What are prevalent sources of harmful noise?
- 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 normally temporary and will improve 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 irreversible hearing loss.
Tips for safeguarding your ears in autumn
- Avoid sitting near 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: In order to prevent damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
- Use earplugs at events: Utilize earplugs at Halloween parties 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 drop, don’t forget to protect your ears from the chill. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Ear infections are more prevalent when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
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 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: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
While earwax is frequently 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 block your ear canal and lead to considerable problems.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can push earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Better cleaning solutions include:
- Consult a professional: If you’re unsure 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.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize 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.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing issues. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, including diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you experience any hearing changes after you start using a new medication. Whether your hearing loss is related to a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
Take action at the first sign of hearing loss
Seasonal activities in autumn are full of wonderful sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. If you detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a comprehensive evaluation.