As the crisp 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 how much less pleasant your fall experience will be if those sounds start to fade away.
Luckily, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be jeopardized because many of the causes of hearing loss can be prevented 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 sounds
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 above 85 decibels (dB) resulting in damage to the fragile structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can lead to hearing loss that is usually temporary and will clear up over a day or two. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, such as regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also result in lasting issues.
Guidelines for protecting your ears in autumn
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be tempting, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can certainly damage your hearing.
- Wear earplugs at events: Utilize earplugs at Halloween events or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to prevent damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures fall, don’t forget 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, especially when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and inflammation of the middle ear. Untreated ear infections can trigger 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: Get assessed 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, excessive earwax can become problematic, especially if it blocks your hearing.
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common habit can actually pack the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even harming the ear. Here are some better cleaning options:
- 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 safely clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further problems.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by utilizing over-the-counter earwax solutions 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
Hearing problems 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 experience any hearing changes after you start using a new medication. Whether your hearing loss is due to a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
Take action at the first sign of hearing loss
Fall is filled with unique sounds you don’t want to miss. If you notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us for a thorough evaluation.