Autumn brings in its own engaging sounds you won’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 muddled, reducing 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 basic protective measures. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be proactive about safeguarding your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing loss.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can cause hearing loss that is typically 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 problems.
Tips for safeguarding your ears in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
- Wear earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween parties, use earplugs to lower the volume without muting the experience.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right next to the speakers at an event can expose you to dangerously loud noise levels.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures go down, don’t forget to protect your ears from the cold. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you susceptible to ear infections. Adults are just as vulnerable to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and swelling of the middle ear. If an ear infection is neglected, it can affect both your hearing health and your overall health, leading to 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, talk to a healthcare provider right away for evaluation and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is usually viewed as a nuisance, it plays a critical role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, excessive earwax can become problematic, especially if it blocks your hearing.
Many individuals 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:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear away excess wax. After the drops have been in your ear for a few minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: If you’re not sure about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can prevent further issues by making use of specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
Medication-related hearing problems
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 impede your hearing.
If you observe changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s important to contact your physician. 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 indication of hearing loss
Fall is filled with unique 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 thorough assessment.