As the crisp air and bright colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season special, 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 precious moments.
Fortunately, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be jeopardized because many of the causes of hearing loss can be prevented by taking some simple protective steps. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be proactive about protecting your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can compromise the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing loss.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
One-time loud events can result in temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it’s not always possible to reverse the damage. 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
- Use earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween gatherings, bring earplugs to reduce the volume without muting the experience.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can subject you to hazardously loud noise levels.
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone use and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to protect your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Ear infections are more common when it’s cold out and both adults and children are vulnerable.
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 impact 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 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
Earwax, while often regarded as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing a vital role in your overall ear health. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and result in significant issues.
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 solutions:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen 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 uncertain about cleaning your ears or suspect you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can prevent further issues by making use of specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
Hearing loss related to medication
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing problems. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impair your hearing.
If you notice changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s important to contact your physician. 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.
As soon as you experience 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 make an appointment with us for a thorough assessment.
