As the cool air and bright colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, 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, decreasing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing issues can be avoided or managed with simple precautions. By taking hands-on steps to protect your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat of this fall’s magic.
Safeguard your hearing from loud noises
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can compromise the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing loss.
What are prevalent sources of damaging noise?
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can cause 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 result in more permanent hearing loss.
Guidelines for safeguarding your hearing in autumn
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be enticing, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can definitely damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to prevent damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
- Wear earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, use earplugs to decrease the volume without muting the experience.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures drop, remember to safeguard your ears from the cold. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Ear infections are more common when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and swelling of the middle ear. Neglected ear infections can cause more serious complications, affecting both your hearing and overall health.
Preventive measures for cold weather
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, talk to a healthcare provider immediately for assessment and treatment.
Safe ear cleaning tips
While earwax is often viewed as a nuisance, it plays a vital role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. However, excessive earwax can become troublesome, 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 suggestions:
- 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 a few minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you suspect you may have a wax blockage or if you’re uncertain how to best clean your ears. We can prevent further issues by using specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Hearing issues are one of the unforeseen side effects of certain medications. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, including diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you detect any hearing changes after you start taking 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 help you with.
Take action at the first sign of hearing loss
Seasonal activities in autumn are full of memorable sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. Schedule an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.