As the crisp air and vibrant colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, kids laughing as they trick-or-treat, the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, diminishing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing problems can be avoided or treated with simple safeguards. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be proactive about safeguarding your hearing.
Safeguard your hearing from loud noises
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Hearing loss can start to occur when you’re exposed to noises above 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the fragile structures of the inner ear.
What are common sources of harmful noise?
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can result in hearing loss that is normally temporary and will improve over a day or two. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also result in permanent problems.
Tips for safeguarding your hearing in autumn
- 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 absolutely damage your hearing.
- Wear earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween events or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree 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.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures go down, don’t forget to protect your ears from the chill. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you susceptible to ear infections. 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, resulting in discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Untreated ear infections can trigger more serious complications, affecting both your hearing and overall health.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, consult a healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by entirely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
Earwax, while often regarded as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing a vital role in your total ear health. However, too much earwax can become problematic, especially if it blocks your hearing.
Many individuals use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common habit can actually pack the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even harming the ear. Here are some better cleaning suggestions:
- 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 prevent further issues by using specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by using over-the-counter earwax drops or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then tip your head to allow it to drain.
Hearing loss related to medication
Hearing issues are one of the unforeseen side effects of some medications. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, including diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you notice any hearing changes after you start using a new medication. Whether your hearing loss is because of a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
As soon as you notice signs of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal activities in autumn are full of memorable sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. Make an appointment for a consultation if you detect any changes to your hearing.