Autumn brings in its own engaging 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 those sounds fading away or becoming muddled, diminishing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing problems can be avoided or treated with simple safeguards. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat of this fall’s magic.
Safeguard your hearing from loud noises
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can compromise the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing impairment.
What are common sources of damaging noise?
- 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 normally temporary and will improve over a day or two. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also lead to lasting issues.
Tips for safeguarding your hearing in autumn
- Wear earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween events or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up next 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: Reduce headphone usage and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures drop. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible to infections, which in turn can affect your hearing. Adults are just as susceptible to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and swelling of the middle ear. If an ear infection is neglected, it can affect both your hearing health and your general health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Protective measures for cold weather
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully 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 often viewed as a nuisance, it plays a crucial role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. However, too much earwax can become troublesome, especially if it blocks your hearing.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can jam earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Better cleaning solutions include:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear out excess wax. After the drops have been in your ear for a few minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can prevent further problems by using specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
Medication-induced hearing issues
Hearing issues are one of the unexpected side effects of certain medications. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impede your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you detect any hearing changes after you begin using a new medication. 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.
As soon as you notice indications of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. Schedule an appointment for a consultation if you detect any changes to your hearing.
