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 muffled, reducing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing problems can be avoided or treated 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 ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can compromise the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
What are prevalent sources of harmful noise?
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can result in hearing loss that is typically temporary and will improve over a day or two. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, such as regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also cause permanent problems.
Autumn ear protection tips
- Avoid sitting near 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: Utilize earplugs at Halloween gatherings or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone use and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures go down, don’t forget to protect your ears from the chill. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you susceptible to ear infections. 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 trigger swelling and fluid buildup in the middle ear, leading to discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection is neglected, it can impact both your hearing health and your overall health, leading to 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 completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
Tips for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is frequently viewed as a nuisance, it plays a vital role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. However, excessive earwax can become problematic, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
Many individuals use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common habit can actually pack the wax further into your ear canal, creating blockages and even damaging the ear. Better cleaning solutions include:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by utilizing over-the-counter earwax drops or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. After the drops have been in your ear for a few minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you think you might have a wax blockage or if you’re not sure how to best clean your ears. We can safely clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further problems.
Hearing loss related to medication
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing problems. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impede your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you experience any hearing changes after you begin taking a new medication. Whether your hearing loss is due to a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will help you with.
Take action at the first sign of hearing loss
Fall is filled with unique sounds you don’t want to miss. Schedule an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.