Autumn brings in its own compelling sounds you won’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching beneath your feet, and kids laughing and playing. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, diminishing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing problems can be avoided or treated with simple precautions. By taking proactive steps to protect your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound of this fall’s magic.
Protect your ears from noise
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Hearing impairment can start to occur when you’re exposed to sounds louder than 85 decibels (dB) resulting in damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
One-time loud events can cause temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it’s not always possible to reverse the damage. Repeated 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 hearing protection guidelines
- Wear earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, use earplugs to decrease the volume without muting the experience.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be enticing, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can absolutely damage your hearing.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to protect your ears from the cold as temperatures drop. Cold weather can have a major 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 trigger inflammation and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, resulting in discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can impact both your hearing health and your general health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get evaluated and treated by a healthcare provider right away if you experience sudden hearing loss, have pain in your ear, or have any fluid draining from your ear.
Tips for safe ear cleaning
Earwax, while often regarded as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing a vital role in your total ear health. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and lead to substantial problems.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can jam earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Here are some better cleaning options:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear away excess wax. Let the solution sit for several minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you think you might have a wax blockage or if you’re uncertain how to best clean your ears. We can prevent further problems by making use of specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Hearing problems are one of the unexpected side effects of some medications. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you detect any hearing changes after you begin using a new medication. Whether your hearing loss is caused by a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will help you with.
As soon as you experience signs of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with unique sounds you don’t want to miss. If you notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a thorough assessment.