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.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing problems can be avoided or treated with simple precautions. By taking hands-on steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat 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 compromise the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing impairment.
What are typical sources of harmful noise?
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can cause hearing loss that is normally temporary and will improve over a day or two. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, such as regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also result in lasting issues.
Guidelines for safeguarding your ears in autumn
- Use earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween gatherings, bring earplugs to lower the volume without muting the experience.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can subject you to hazardously loud noise levels.
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone usage and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures fall, don’t forget to safeguard your ears from the chill. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. Adults are just as prone to ear infections as children, especially when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can trigger swelling 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.
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, talk to a healthcare provider right away for assessment and treatment.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
While earwax is usually 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 significant issues.
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common practice can actually push the wax further into your ear canal, creating blockages and even harming the ear. Here are some better cleaning options:
- Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, come see us for a consultation. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further problems.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Use 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 several minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Hearing issues are one of the unforeseen side effects of some medications. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impair your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you experience any hearing changes after you begin taking a new medication. They can identify whether your hearing loss is due to the medication and advise you on the best plan of action.
Take action at the first sign 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. If you notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us for a thorough evaluation.