As the cool air and vibrant colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season special, kids laughing as they trick-or-treat, the gratifying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muddled, diminishing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Luckily, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be jeopardized because many of the causes of hearing loss can be avoided by taking some basic protective steps. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be assertive about protecting your hearing.
Safeguard your hearing from loud noises
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Hearing impairment can start to occur when you’re exposed to sounds louder than 85 decibels (dB) leading to damage to the fragile structures of the inner ear.
What are prevalent sources of damaging noise?
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can lead to hearing loss that is normally temporary and will clear up over a day or two. Recurring exposure to loud noises, like attending concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can cause more irreversible hearing loss.
Autumn ear protection guidelines
- Use earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween parties, use earplugs to reduce the volume without muting the experience.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be enticing, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can absolutely damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone use and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures drop. 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, especially 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 accumulation and inflammation of the middle ear. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can affect both your hearing health and your overall health, leading to more serious health issues.
Protective measures for cold weather
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by entirely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
- 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 assessment and treatment.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is often viewed as a nuisance, it plays a crucial role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and lead to considerable problems.
Many individuals use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common practice can actually pack the wax further into your ear canal, creating blockages and even harming the ear. Better cleaning solutions include:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften the earwax by using over-the-counter earwax solutions or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. After the drops have been in your ear for several minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain about cleaning your ears or suspect you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can prevent further problems by using specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
Hearing loss related to medication
Hearing issues are one of the unforeseen side effects of certain medications. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you notice any hearing changes after you start 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 indication of hearing loss
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. Schedule an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.