Autumn brings in its own compelling sounds you don’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching under your feet, and kids laughing and playing. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, decreasing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing issues can be avoided or treated with simple safeguards. 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 impairment. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing impairment.
What are prevalent sources of damaging noise?
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
One-time loud events can result in temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it’s not always possible to counter the damage. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, such as regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also lead to permanent problems.
Autumn ear protection tips
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone use and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Use earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, use earplugs to lower the volume without muting the experience.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be tempting, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can definitely damage your hearing.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable to infections, which in turn can affect 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 cause swelling and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, leading to discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Neglected ear infections can trigger more serious complications, affecting both your hearing and total health.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get evaluated 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
Earwax, while often regarded as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing a vital role in your overall ear health. However, too much earwax can block your ear canal and lead to significant 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. Better cleaning solutions include:
- Consult a professional: If you’re unsure about cleaning your ears or suspect you have a wax blockage, come see us for a consultation. 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, tip your head to allow for drainage.
Medication-induced hearing issues
Hearing issues are one of the unexpected side effects of some medications. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, including 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 related to the medication and advise you on the best course of action.
Take action at the first indication of hearing loss
Seasonal activities in autumn are full of wonderful sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. Schedule an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.
