As the cool air and bright colors of autumn set in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, children 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, reducing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Fortunately, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be compromised because many of the causes of hearing loss can be prevented by taking some simple protective steps. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound of this fall’s magic.
Protect your hearing from loud sounds
The most common cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can compromise the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
One-time loud events can trigger temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it’s not always possible to reverse the damage. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also lead to lasting issues.
Guidelines for protecting your ears in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone usage and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Wear earplugs at events: Utilize earplugs at Halloween parties or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can subject you to dangerously high noise levels.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to protect your ears from the cold as temperatures drop. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Ear infections are more common when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and inflammation of the middle ear. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can affect both your hearing health and your general health, leading to more serious health issues.
Protective measures for cold weather
- 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: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Safe ear cleaning tips
While earwax is frequently viewed as a nuisance, it plays a vital role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and lead to considerable issues.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can push earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Better cleaning solutions include:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by utilizing over-the-counter earwax drops or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
- Consult a professional: If you’re unsure about cleaning your ears or suspect you have a wax blockage, come see us for a consultation. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing issues. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you notice any hearing changes after you begin using a new medication. They can determine whether your hearing loss is related 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 wonderful sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. If you detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a thorough assessment.