Autumn brings in its own engaging sounds you don’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, decreasing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
Luckily, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be jeopardized because many of the causes of hearing loss can be avoided by taking some basic protective steps. 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 hearing from loud sounds
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Hearing loss can start to happen when you’re exposed to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) resulting in damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
What are typical sources of harmful noise?
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can cause hearing loss that is normally temporary and will improve over a day or two. Repeated exposure to loud noises, like attending concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can cause more permanent hearing loss.
Autumn ear protection guidelines
- Use earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween gatherings or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be tempting, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can definitely damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone usage and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures drop, don’t forget to protect your ears from the chill. 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 vulnerable.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can lead to 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 impact both your hearing health and your overall health, leading to more serious health issues.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- 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.
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
Earwax, while frequently regarded as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your overall ear health. However, too much earwax can become troublesome, especially if it blocks your hearing.
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 damaging the ear. Better cleaning methods include:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by utilizing over-the-counter earwax solutions or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. After the drops have been in your ear for a few minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
- 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 safely clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further problems.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing problems. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impair your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you detect any hearing changes after you begin using a new medication. 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 experience signs of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with unique sounds you don’t want to miss. If you detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a thorough assessment.