As the crisp air and vibrant colors of autumn set in, so do the sounds that make this season special, 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 pleasant your fall experience will be if those sounds begin to fade away.
Fortunately, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be jeopardized because many of the causes of hearing loss can be prevented by taking some basic protective steps. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat 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 impairment. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing loss.
What are prevalent sources of harmful noise?
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can cause hearing loss that is usually temporary and will improve over a day or two. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also cause lasting problems.
Tips for protecting your ears in autumn
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be enticing, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can definitely damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to prevent damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
- Wear 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
Remember to protect your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable 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 cause inflammation and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, causing discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Untreated ear infections can trigger more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and overall health.
Protective measures for cold weather
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, contact a healthcare provider right away for evaluation and treatment.
- 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 often regarded as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing a vital role in your total ear health. However, excessive earwax can become problematic, especially if it blocks your hearing.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can jam earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Here are some better cleaning options:
- Consult a professional: If you’re not sure about cleaning your ears or suspect you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can prevent further issues by using specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
- 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 several minutes, then tip your head to allow it to drain.
Hearing loss related to medication
Hearing issues are one of the unexpected side effects of certain medications. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
If you observe changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s important to contact your doctor. Whether your hearing loss is due 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 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 notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a comprehensive assessment.