As the crisp air and vibrant colors of autumn set in, so do the sounds that make this season special, kids laughing as they trick-or-treat, the gratifying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muddled, decreasing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Fortunately, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be compromised because many of the causes of hearing loss can be prevented by taking some simple protective measures. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat of this fall’s magic.
Safeguard your hearing from loud sounds
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Hearing impairment can start to happen when you’re exposed to sounds louder than 85 decibels (dB) resulting in damage to the fragile structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can cause hearing loss that is normally temporary and will clear up over a day or two. Repeated 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.
Autumn ear protection guidelines
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone use and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Use earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween gatherings, bring earplugs to decrease the volume without muting the experience.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can subject you to hazardously loud noise levels.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures go down, don’t forget to safeguard your ears from the chill. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you susceptible to ear infections. Ear infections are more prevalent when it’s cold out and both adults and children are vulnerable.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and swelling of the middle ear. Untreated ear infections can trigger more serious complications, affecting both your hearing and overall health.
Protective 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 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.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
Earwax, while frequently thought of as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing a vital role in your overall ear health. However, too much earwax can become problematic, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can jam earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Better cleaning solutions include:
- 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: If you’re unsure about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can prevent further issues by making use of specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
Hearing loss related to medication
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing issues. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you notice any hearing changes after you begin 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 indication of hearing loss
Fall is filled with unique sounds you don’t want to miss. Make an appointment for a consultation if you detect any changes to your hearing.