As the crisp air and vibrant colors of autumn set in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, children 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, reducing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Luckily, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be compromised because many of the causes of hearing loss can be prevented by taking some basic protective steps. By taking proactive steps to protect your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat of this fall’s magic.
Protect your hearing from loud noises
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can compromise the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
What are typical sources of harmful noise?
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
One-time loud events can cause temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it’s not always possible to reverse the damage. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also lead to permanent problems.
Tips for safeguarding your hearing in autumn
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be tempting, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can absolutely damage your hearing.
- Wear earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, bring earplugs to lower the volume without muting the experience.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone use and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can have a major 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 vulnerable.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can trigger swelling and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, resulting in discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Untreated ear infections can cause more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and overall health.
Preventive measures for cold weather
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, talk to a healthcare provider right away for assessment and treatment.
Safe ear cleaning tips
While earwax is usually viewed as a nuisance, it plays a critical role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, too much earwax can block your ear canal and result in considerable issues.
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: Come in to see us if you suspect you might have a wax blockage or if you’re uncertain how to best clean your ears. We can prevent further issues by making use of specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by using over-the-counter earwax drops or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. After the drops have been in your ear for several minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
Medication-induced hearing issues
Hearing problems are one of the unexpected side effects of certain medications. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
If you observe changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s essential to contact your physician. They can determine whether your hearing loss is due to the medication and advise you on the best course of action.
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. If you notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us for a comprehensive assessment.
