Autumn brings in its own engaging sounds you don’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching beneath your feet, and kids laughing and playing. Now imagine how much less pleasant your fall experience will be if those sounds start to fade away.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing problems can be avoided or managed with simple precautions. By taking proactive steps to protect your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat of this fall’s magic.
Safeguard your hearing from loud noises
The most common 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) causing damage to the fragile structures of the inner ear.
What are typical sources of harmful noise?
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
One-time loud events can result in temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it’s not always possible to counter the damage. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also cause permanent issues.
Tips for protecting your ears in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: In order to counter damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can subject you to dangerously high noise levels.
- Use earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween parties, bring earplugs to reduce the volume without muting the experience.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures drop, remember to protect your ears from the chill. 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 cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and inflammation of the middle ear. If an ear infection is neglected, it can impact both your hearing health and your overall health, leading to more serious health issues.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, talk to a healthcare provider immediately for assessment and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
Safe ear cleaning tips
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, 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 habit can actually push the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even harming the ear. Better cleaning solutions include:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften the earwax by using over-the-counter earwax drops or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. After the drops have been in your ear for several minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: If you’re unsure about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can prevent further problems by using specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
Medication-induced hearing issues
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing problems. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
If you notice changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s important to contact your doctor. 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 notice signs of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with unique sounds you don’t want to miss. If you notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a thorough assessment.