As the crisp air and vibrant colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season special, children 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 muffled, reducing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
Fortunately, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be compromised because many of the causes of hearing loss can be avoided by taking some simple protective measures. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be assertive about protecting your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
The most common cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss can begin to occur when you’re exposed to noises louder than 85 decibels (dB) resulting in damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear.
What are typical sources of damaging noise?
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
One-time loud events can trigger temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it’s not always possible to counter the damage. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, such as regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also lead to lasting issues.
Tips for safeguarding your hearing in autumn
- 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 lower the volume without muting the experience.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right next to the speakers at an event can expose you to dangerously loud noise levels.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures go down, remember to safeguard your ears from the cold. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. Ear infections are more prevalent when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and inflammation of the middle ear. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can impact both your hearing health and your overall health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, consult a healthcare provider right away for assessment and treatment.
Tips 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, especially if it blocks your hearing.
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 solutions include:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften 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.
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you think you might have a wax blockage or if you’re unsure how to best clean your ears. We can prevent further issues by using specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
Medication-induced hearing issues
Hearing issues are one of the unexpected side effects of some medications. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impede your hearing.
If you observe changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s essential to contact your physician. Whether your hearing loss is related to a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
As soon as you notice signs of hearing loss, take action
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.