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 muddled, reducing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Luckily, 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 hearing from loud noises
The most common cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing impairment.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 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 going to concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can cause more permanent hearing loss.
Guidelines for safeguarding your hearing in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
- Wear earplugs at events: Utilize earplugs at Halloween events or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be tempting, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can absolutely damage your hearing.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures drop. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible to infections, which in turn can affect your hearing. Ear infections are more prevalent when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and swelling of the middle ear. If an ear infection is neglected, it can affect both your hearing health and your overall health, leading to more serious health issues.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by entirely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
- 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 evaluation and treatment.
Tips for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is frequently viewed as a nuisance, it plays a crucial role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. However, too much earwax can block your ear canal and lead to considerable problems.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can jam earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Better cleaning solutions include:
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you suspect you might have a wax blockage or if you’re unsure how to best clean your ears. We can safely clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further problems.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Use a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear away excess wax. Let the solution sit for several minutes, then tip your head to allow it to drain.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Hearing problems are one of the unexpected side effects of certain medications. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, including diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you notice any hearing changes after you begin taking a new medication. They can determine whether your hearing loss is due to the medication and advise you on the best course of action.
Take action at the first sign of hearing loss
Seasonal activities 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 schedule an appointment with us for a comprehensive assessment.