As the crisp air and bright 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.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing problems can be avoided or treated with simple safeguards. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat 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 sounds. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can compromise the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing impairment.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can result in hearing loss that is typically temporary and will improve over a day or two. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also result in lasting issues.
Guidelines for safeguarding your hearing in autumn
- Use earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween gatherings or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be enticing, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can definitely damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone usage and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures go down, remember to protect your ears from the cold. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. Adults are just as vulnerable to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can trigger inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, resulting in discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. 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
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get assessed 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.
- 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 often regarded as a nuisance, traps debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your total ear health. However, too much earwax can block your ear canal and result in considerable problems.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can push earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Here are some better cleaning options:
- 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 clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further problems.
- 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.
Medication-induced hearing issues
Hearing problems are one of the unforeseen side effects of certain medications. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impair your hearing.
If you observe changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s important to contact your physician. They can determine whether your hearing loss is connected to the medication and advise you on the best course of action.
As soon as you notice signs of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal activities in autumn are full of wonderful sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. Make an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.