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 begin to fade away.
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. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be assertive about safeguarding your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Hearing impairment can start to occur when you’re exposed to noises louder than 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the fragile 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 isn’t 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 cause lasting problems.
Guidelines for safeguarding your ears in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone usage and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- 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 hazardously loud noise levels.
- 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 have a good time.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to protect your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable to infections, which in turn can affect your hearing. Adults are just as susceptible to ear infections as children, especially when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can cause swelling and fluid buildup in the middle ear, causing discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can impact both your hearing health and your overall health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by entirely 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, consult a healthcare provider right away for assessment and treatment.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is usually viewed as a nuisance, it plays a critical 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 considerable 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. Here are some better cleaning solutions:
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you think you may have a wax blockage or if you’re not sure how to best clean your ears. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by using 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.
Medication-related hearing problems
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing problems. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impede your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you detect any hearing changes after you start taking a new medication. They can determine whether your hearing loss is due to the medication and advise you on the best course of action.
As soon as you detect indications of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with unique sounds you don’t want to miss. Schedule an appointment for a consultation if you detect any changes to your hearing.
