As the crisp 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 gratifying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine how much less enjoyable your fall experience will be if those sounds begin to fade away.
Fortunately, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be compromised because many of the causes of hearing loss can be avoided by taking some basic protective measures. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be assertive about protecting your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
What are typical sources of damaging noise?
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
One-time loud events can trigger temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it’s not always possible to reverse the damage. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, such as regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also result in permanent problems.
Guidelines for safeguarding your ears in autumn
- Use earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween parties or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to prevent damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit 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.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures drop, don’t forget to protect your ears from the chill. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. Adults are just as prone to ear infections as children, especially when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can trigger inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, leading to discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection is neglected, it can affect both your hearing health and your general health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Protective measures for cold weather
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
- 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.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is often viewed as a nuisance, it plays a critical role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and result in considerable problems.
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 methods include:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by utilizing over-the-counter earwax drops 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: Come in to see us if you think you might have a wax blockage or if you’re uncertain how to best clean your ears. We can prevent further issues by using specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
Medication-induced hearing problems
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing issues. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
If you observe changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s essential to contact your doctor. Whether your hearing loss is caused by a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
As soon as you experience indications of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal experiences in autumn are full of memorable sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. Make an appointment for a consultation if you detect any changes to your hearing.
