Autumn brings in its own compelling sounds you don’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.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing issues can be avoided or managed with simple safeguards. 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 prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing impairment.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can result in hearing loss that is normally temporary and will improve over a day or two. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also result in lasting issues.
Autumn hearing protection guidelines
- Use earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween parties, use earplugs to reduce the volume without muting the experience.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone use and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be tempting, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can certainly damage your hearing.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures go down, remember to safeguard your ears from the cold. Cold weather can have a huge 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.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can trigger inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, causing discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection is neglected, it can affect both your hearing health and your general health, leading to more serious health issues.
Preventive measures for cold weather
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get evaluated 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
While earwax is frequently viewed as a nuisance, it plays a vital role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, too much 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 solutions:
- Consult a professional: If you’re unsure about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, come see us for a consultation. We can safely clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further problems.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Use a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear out excess wax. After the drops have been in your ear for a few minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
Medication-related hearing problems
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing issues. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impede your hearing.
If you notice changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s essential to contact your physician. 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 detect indications of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal experiences in autumn are full of wonderful sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. If you detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a comprehensive assessment.