As the cool air and bright colors of autumn roll 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 those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, diminishing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
Fortunately, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be jeopardized because many of the causes of hearing loss can be avoided by taking some basic protective measures. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be proactive about protecting your hearing.
Safeguard your hearing from loud noises
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Hearing loss can start to happen when you’re exposed to noises louder than 85 decibels (dB) leading to damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear.
What are typical sources of damaging noise?
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can lead to hearing loss that is typically temporary and will improve over a day or two. Repeated exposure to loud noises, like attending concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can result in more irreversible hearing loss.
Autumn ear protection tips
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone use and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be enticing, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can certainly damage your hearing.
- Use earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween events or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
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 prone to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and inflammation of the middle ear. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can affect both your hearing health and your overall health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Protective measures for cold weather
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
- 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.
Tips 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 block your ear canal and lead to substantial 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 damaging the ear. Better cleaning methods 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 several minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
- 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 prevent further issues by using specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
Medication-induced hearing problems
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 beginning a new medication, it’s important to contact your physician. Whether your hearing loss is related to 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
Seasonal experiences in autumn are full of memorable 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 make an appointment with us for a comprehensive evaluation.