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 how much less pleasant your fall experience will be if those sounds begin to fade away.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing problems can be avoided or treated with simple safeguards. By taking hands-on steps to protect your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound of this fall’s magic.
Safeguard your hearing from loud noises
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Hearing impairment can start to occur when you’re exposed to noises louder than 85 decibels (dB) resulting in damage to the fragile structures of the inner ear.
What are common sources of damaging noise?
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
One-time loud events can trigger temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it’s not always possible to counter the damage. Recurring exposure to loud noises, like going to concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can result in more permanent hearing loss.
Autumn hearing protection tips
- Avoid sitting beside 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.
- Wear earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween gatherings or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
- 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
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. Ear infections are more prevalent when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
The danger of ear infections
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, affecting both your hearing and overall health.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- 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, contact a healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and treatment.
Safe ear cleaning tips
While earwax is often viewed as a nuisance, it plays a vital role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, too much earwax can become troublesome, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common habit can actually pack the wax further into your ear canal, creating blockages and even damaging the ear. 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 prevent further issues by using specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften 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 a few minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
Medication-related hearing problems
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing issues. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impede your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you experience 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 course of action.
As soon as you detect signs of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with unique sounds you don’t want to miss. If you detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a thorough assessment.