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 children laughing and playing. Now imagine how much less enjoyable your fall experience will be if those sounds begin to fade away.
Luckily, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be jeopardized because many of the causes of hearing loss can be avoided by taking some simple protective steps. By taking hands-on steps to protect your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat of this fall’s magic.
Protect your hearing from loud sounds
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can compromise the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing impairment.
What are prevalent sources of harmful noise?
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can lead to hearing loss that is typically temporary and will improve over a day or two. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, such as regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also lead to permanent issues.
Tips for protecting your hearing in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: In order to counter damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right next to the speakers at an event can expose you to dangerously high noise levels.
- Wear earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, use earplugs to lower the volume without muting the experience.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Adults are just as susceptible to ear infections as children, especially when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and inflammation of the middle ear. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can impact both your hearing health and your overall health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
- 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.
Tips for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is usually viewed as a nuisance, it plays a critical role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. However, too much earwax can block your ear canal and lead to 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 suggestions:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften the earwax by using over-the-counter earwax drops or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Let the solution sit for several minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
- Consult a professional: If you’re not sure about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, come see us for a consultation. We can safely clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
Hearing loss related to medication
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing problems. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impair your hearing.
If you observe changes in your hearing after beginning 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.
Take action at the first indication of hearing loss
Seasonal experiences in autumn are full of wonderful 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 make an appointment with us for a comprehensive evaluation.
