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 start to fade away.
Fortunately, 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 measures. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be proactive 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. Hearing loss can begin to occur when you’re exposed to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) resulting in damage to the fragile structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can lead to hearing loss that is typically temporary and will clear up over a day or two. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also cause permanent issues.
Tips for safeguarding your ears in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone usage and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Use earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween parties or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can subject you to dangerously loud noise levels.
Cold weather and ear health
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 susceptible to ear infections. Ear infections are more common when it’s cold out and both adults and children are vulnerable.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and swelling of the middle ear. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can affect both your hearing health and your overall 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, 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.
Safe ear cleaning tips
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, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and lead to substantial issues.
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common practice can actually pack the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even damaging the ear. Here are some better cleaning solutions:
- Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can prevent further problems by making use of specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen 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.
Medication-induced hearing issues
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing problems. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impair your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you detect any hearing changes after you begin taking a new medication. They can identify 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
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 assessment.