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 children laughing and playing. Now imagine how much less pleasant your fall experience will be if those sounds start to fade away.
Fortunately, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be compromised because many of the causes of hearing loss can be avoided by taking some simple protective measures. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat of this fall’s magic.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing impairment.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can lead to hearing loss that is usually temporary and will clear up over a day or two. Recurring exposure to loud noises, like going to concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can cause more irreversible hearing loss.
Autumn ear protection tips
- Wear earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween parties, bring earplugs to lower the volume without muting the experience.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can expose you to hazardously high noise levels.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone usage and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures drop, remember to protect your ears from the chill. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you susceptible to ear infections. Adults are just as prone to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can trigger swelling and fluid buildup in the middle ear, leading to discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Untreated ear infections can cause more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and overall health.
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, consult a healthcare provider right away for assessment and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
Earwax, while often regarded as a nuisance, traps debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your overall ear health. However, excessive earwax can become troublesome, 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. Better cleaning methods include:
- 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 prevent further issues by using specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften the earwax by using over-the-counter earwax solutions or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then tip your head to allow it to drain.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Hearing issues are one of the unexpected side effects of certain medications. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impair your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you experience any hearing changes after you start using a new medication. 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 notice indications of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with unique sounds you don’t want to miss. If you detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us for a thorough evaluation.