As the cool air and bright colors of autumn set in, so do the sounds that make this season special, 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 muddled, reducing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing issues can be avoided or managed with simple precautions. By taking hands-on 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
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing impairment.
What are typical sources of harmful noise?
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can cause hearing loss that is normally temporary and will improve over a day or two. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, such as regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also cause lasting problems.
Guidelines for safeguarding your hearing in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
- 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 loud noise levels.
- Use earplugs at events: Use 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
Remember to protect your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable to infections, which in turn can affect your hearing. Ear infections are more prevalent when it’s cold out and both adults and children are vulnerable.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and inflammation of the middle ear. Untreated ear infections can cause more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and total health.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get evaluated and treated by a healthcare provider right away 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 frequently thought of as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your overall ear health. However, too much earwax can block your ear canal and lead to substantial problems.
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common practice can actually push the wax further into your ear canal, creating blockages and even damaging the ear. Better cleaning solutions include:
- 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 problems by making use of specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Use a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear out excess wax. Let the solution sit for several minutes, then tip your head to allow it to drain.
Medication-induced hearing problems
Hearing issues are one of the unexpected side effects of certain medications. 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. Whether your hearing loss is due to a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
Take action at the first indication of hearing loss
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. If you notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a comprehensive evaluation.
