As the crisp air and vibrant colors of autumn set 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, reducing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
Luckily, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be compromised because many of the causes of hearing loss can be prevented by taking some simple protective measures. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be assertive about safeguarding your hearing.
Safeguard your hearing from loud noises
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can compromise the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing impairment.
What are common sources of harmful noise?
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
One-time loud events can result in temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it isn’t always possible to reverse the damage. Recurring exposure to loud noises, like attending concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can result in more irreversible hearing loss.
Guidelines for protecting your hearing in autumn
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right next to the speakers at an event can expose you to hazardously loud noise levels.
- Wear earplugs at events: Use earplugs at Halloween events or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to prevent damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. Adults are just as vulnerable to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can trigger inflammation and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, resulting in discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Untreated ear infections can trigger more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and total health.
Safeguarding 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: Get assessed 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.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
Earwax, while often thought of as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your overall ear health. However, too much earwax can block your ear canal and result in considerable issues.
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 suggestions:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear away excess wax. After the drops have been in your ear for several minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain about cleaning your ears or suspect 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.
Medication-induced hearing issues
Hearing problems are one of the unforeseen side effects of some medications. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
If you notice changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s essential to contact your physician. Whether your hearing loss is related to a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
As soon as you detect indications of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. If you detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a thorough evaluation.