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 gratifying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine how much less enjoyable your fall experience will be if those sounds start to fade away.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing issues can be avoided or treated with simple safeguards. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound of this fall’s magic.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can result in hearing loss that is usually temporary and will clear up over a day or two. Recurring 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 hearing protection guidelines
- Use earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween parties or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be enticing, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can absolutely damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone usage and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you susceptible to ear infections. Adults are just as susceptible to ear infections as children, especially when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
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 is neglected, it can affect both your hearing health and your overall health, leading to more serious health issues.
Protective 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 evaluated 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.
Tips for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is frequently viewed as a nuisance, it plays a vital role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. 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 push earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Better cleaning methods include:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Use 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 tip your head to allow it to drain.
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you think you may have a wax blockage or if you’re unsure how to best clean your ears. We can safely clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing problems. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impede your hearing.
If you notice changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s important to contact your doctor. 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 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. Make an appointment for a consultation if you detect any changes to your hearing.