Autumn brings in its own engaging sounds you won’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, diminishing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing issues can be avoided or treated with simple precautions. By taking hands-on steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound of this fall’s magic.
Safeguard your hearing from loud noises
The most common cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Hearing impairment can start to happen when you’re exposed to noises louder than 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can lead to hearing loss that is usually temporary and will clear up over a day or two. Repeated exposure to loud noises, like going to concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can cause more irreversible hearing loss.
Tips for safeguarding your ears in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: In order to prevent damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be tempting, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can absolutely damage your hearing.
- Wear earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween parties or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can have a huge 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.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and swelling of the middle ear. If an ear infection is neglected, it can affect both your hearing health and your general health, leading to more serious health issues.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- 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.
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
Tips for safe ear cleaning
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 block your ear canal and result in substantial issues.
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common habit can actually pack the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even damaging the ear. Better cleaning methods include:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by using over-the-counter earwax solutions or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then tip your head to allow it to drain.
- Consult a professional: If you’re not sure about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
Medication-induced hearing issues
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing problems. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impair your hearing.
If you notice changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s important 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 notice indications 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. If you notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a thorough evaluation.
