Autumn brings in its own engaging sounds you don’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching beneath your feet, and children laughing and playing. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, diminishing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
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 measures. By taking proactive steps to protect 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. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing impairment.
Harmful noise – some prevalent 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 prompt medical care can help, it isn’t always possible to counter the damage. 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 hearing protection guidelines
- Use 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 beside loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right next to the speakers at an event can subject you to hazardously high noise levels.
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone use and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to protect your ears from the cold as temperatures drop. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. 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 trigger inflammation and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, resulting in discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can impact both your hearing health and your general 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: 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.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
Earwax, while often regarded as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your total ear health. However, excessive earwax can become troublesome, especially if it blocks your hearing.
Many people 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. Better cleaning solutions include:
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you think you may have a wax blockage or if you’re not sure how to best clean your ears. We can prevent further issues by making use of specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by utilizing over-the-counter earwax solutions or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
Medication-induced hearing problems
Hearing problems are one of the unforeseen side effects of certain medications. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, including diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you detect any hearing changes after you start taking a new medication. They can determine whether your hearing loss is due to the medication and advise you on the best course of action.
As soon as you detect signs of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal experiences in autumn are full of memorable sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. Schedule an appointment for a consultation if you detect any changes to your hearing.