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 how much less pleasant your fall experience will be if those sounds start to fade away.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing issues can be avoided or treated with simple safeguards. 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 sounds
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can compromise the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing impairment.
What are typical sources of harmful noise?
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
One-time loud events can cause temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it isn’t always possible to reverse the damage. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also cause lasting issues.
Tips for protecting your hearing in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: In order to prevent 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 noise level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can certainly damage your hearing.
- Use earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, bring earplugs to reduce the volume without muting the experience.
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 common when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can trigger swelling and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, causing discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Neglected ear infections can trigger more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and overall health.
Preventive measures for cold weather
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, consult a healthcare provider immediately for assessment and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by entirely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
While earwax is usually 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, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common habit can actually push the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even harming the ear. Here are some better cleaning solutions:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften the earwax by using over-the-counter earwax drops or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then tip your head to allow it to drain.
- Consult a professional: If you’re not sure about cleaning your ears or suspect you have a wax blockage, come see us for a consultation. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further problems.
Medication-related hearing problems
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing issues. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, including diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
If you notice changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s important to contact your physician. They can identify whether your hearing loss is due to the medication and advise you on the best plan of action.
Take action at the first indication 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 detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a thorough evaluation.