Autumn brings in its own compelling sounds you won’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching under 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 problems can be avoided or managed with simple precautions. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful 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 begin to happen when you’re exposed to sounds louder than 85 decibels (dB) resulting in damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can cause hearing loss that is usually temporary and will improve 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 cause more permanent hearing loss.
Tips for safeguarding your hearing in autumn
- Wear earplugs at events: Utilize earplugs at Halloween events or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone usage and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be enticing, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can absolutely damage your hearing.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures fall, don’t forget to safeguard your ears from the cold. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable to infections, which in turn can affect your hearing. Ear infections are more prevalent when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and swelling of the middle ear. Neglected ear infections can trigger more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and total health.
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: Get assessed and treated by a healthcare provider right away if you experience sudden hearing loss, have pain in your ear, or have any fluid draining from your ear.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is frequently viewed as a nuisance, it plays a critical role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, too much earwax can block your ear canal and result in significant problems.
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common practice can actually push the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even damaging the ear. Here are some better cleaning solutions:
- Consult a professional: If you’re not sure about cleaning your ears or suspect you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can safely clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Use a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear out excess wax. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
Hearing loss related to medication
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing issues. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impair your hearing.
If you notice changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s important to contact your physician. Whether your hearing loss is caused by 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
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. If you detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us for a thorough assessment.