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 those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, diminishing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing issues can be avoided or treated with simple safeguards. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be assertive about protecting your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Hearing impairment can start to occur when you’re exposed to noises above 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
One-time loud events can trigger temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it’s not always possible to reverse the damage. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also cause lasting problems.
Guidelines for safeguarding your hearing in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
- Wear earplugs at events: Utilize earplugs at Halloween gatherings or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can subject you to dangerously high noise levels.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures fall, don’t forget to safeguard your ears from the chill. 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.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can trigger swelling and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, causing discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection is neglected, it can impact both your hearing health and your overall health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- 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 evaluation and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
While earwax is often viewed as a nuisance, it plays a critical role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, excessive earwax can become problematic, especially if it blocks your hearing.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can push earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Here are some better cleaning options:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften the earwax by utilizing over-the-counter earwax drops or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. After the drops have been in your ear for several minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: If you’re unsure about cleaning your ears or suspect you have a wax blockage, come see us for a consultation. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further problems.
Medication-related hearing problems
Hearing problems are one of the unexpected side effects of some medications. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impair your hearing.
If you notice changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s important to contact your doctor. They can identify whether your hearing loss is connected to the medication and advise you on the best plan of action.
As soon as you notice indications 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 schedule an appointment with us for a comprehensive assessment.
