As the crisp air and bright colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, 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 pleasant your fall experience will be if those sounds start to fade away.
Luckily, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be compromised because many of the causes of hearing loss can be avoided by taking some simple protective measures. By taking hands-on steps to protect your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat of this fall’s magic.
Safeguard your hearing from loud sounds
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
What are prevalent sources of harmful noise?
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
One-time loud events can cause temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it’s not always possible to reverse the damage. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, such as regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also result in lasting problems.
Tips for safeguarding your hearing in autumn
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be enticing, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can certainly damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
- Use earplugs at events: Use earplugs at Halloween parties or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures go down, don’t forget to protect your ears from the chill. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you susceptible to ear infections. Ear infections are more prevalent when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and inflammation of the middle ear. Neglected ear infections can cause more serious complications, affecting both your hearing and total health.
Protective measures for cold weather
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get evaluated and treated by a healthcare provider immediately 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 completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
Earwax, while often regarded as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing a vital role in your total ear health. However, too much earwax can become problematic, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
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 methods include:
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you think you may have a wax blockage or if you’re not sure 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 away excess wax. After the drops have been in your ear for a few minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
Hearing loss related to medication
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing issues. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impede your hearing.
If you observe changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s important to contact your physician. Whether your hearing loss is related to a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
Take action at the first sign of hearing loss
Seasonal activities in autumn are full of memorable sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. If you notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us for a thorough assessment.