Autumn brings in its own compelling sounds you won’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching under your feet, and kids laughing and playing. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, reducing 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 avoided by taking some basic protective measures. By taking hands-on steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound of this fall’s magic.
Protect your ears from noise
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Hearing loss can begin to happen when you’re exposed to noises louder than 85 decibels (dB) resulting in damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
One-time loud events can trigger temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it’s not always possible to reverse the damage. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also cause permanent problems.
Autumn ear protection tips
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone use and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Use earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween gatherings, bring earplugs to lower the volume without muting the experience.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right next to the speakers at an event can subject you to dangerously high noise levels.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures drop. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Ear infections are more prevalent when it’s cold out and both adults and children are vulnerable.
Why ear infections are dangerous
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 general health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Preventive measures for cold weather
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, talk to a healthcare provider right away for assessment and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Tips for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is often viewed as a nuisance, it plays a critical role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. However, excessive earwax can become problematic, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
Many individuals use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common practice can actually push the wax further into your ear canal, creating blockages and even damaging the ear. Here are some better cleaning options:
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you think 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: 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 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 some common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
If you observe changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s essential to contact your doctor. Whether your hearing loss is related to a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will help you with.
Take action at the first indication of hearing loss
Seasonal activities in autumn are full of wonderful 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 make an appointment with us for a comprehensive assessment.