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 how much less pleasant your fall experience will be if those sounds start to fade away.
Fortunately, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be jeopardized because many of the causes of hearing loss can be prevented by taking some simple protective steps. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be assertive about safeguarding your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can compromise the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing loss.
What are prevalent sources of harmful 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 usually temporary and will improve over a day or two. Recurring exposure to loud noises, like attending concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can result in more permanent hearing loss.
Autumn ear protection tips
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be tempting, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully 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 level of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures go down, remember to safeguard your ears from the chill. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Adults are just as prone to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and inflammation of the middle ear. Neglected ear infections can trigger more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and total health.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get assessed 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 entirely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
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, 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. Here are some better cleaning options:
- 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 tilt your head to allow it to drain.
- 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 prevent further issues by using specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
Hearing loss related to medication
Hearing issues are one of the unexpected side effects of some medications. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impair your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you notice any hearing changes after you start 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 help you with.
Take action at the first sign of hearing loss
Seasonal experiences 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 make an appointment with us for a thorough assessment.