As the crisp air and vibrant colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season special, 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 muddled, reducing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing problems can be avoided or treated with simple precautions. By taking proactive steps to protect your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound of this fall’s magic.
Protect your ears from noise
The most common cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. 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
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can lead to 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 cause permanent issues.
Guidelines for safeguarding your ears 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 harmfully loud and can definitely damage your hearing.
- Wear earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween parties or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone usage and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can have a huge 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.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can trigger swelling and fluid buildup in the middle ear, causing discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection is neglected, it can impact both your hearing health and your general health, resulting in more serious health issues.
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 right away 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 frequently thought of as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing a vital role in your total ear health. However, too much earwax can become problematic, particularly 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. Better cleaning solutions include:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear out excess wax. After the drops have been in your ear for several 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 remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further problems.
Hearing loss related to medication
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing problems. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impair your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you notice any hearing changes after you begin using a new medication. They can identify whether your hearing loss is connected to the medication and advise you on the best plan of action.
Take action at the first sign of hearing loss
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. Make an appointment for a consultation if you detect any changes to your hearing.