Autumn brings in its own compelling sounds you won’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching under your feet, and children laughing and playing. Now imagine how much less enjoyable your fall experience will be if those sounds begin 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 basic protective steps. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat 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 begin to occur when you’re exposed to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) leading to damage to the fragile structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
One-time loud events can cause 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 attending concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can result in more irreversible hearing loss.
Autumn ear protection tips
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone usage and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can subject you to dangerously high noise levels.
- Wear earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween events or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures fall, remember to safeguard your ears from the cold. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Ear infections are more common when it’s cold out and both adults and children are vulnerable.
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 impact both your hearing health and your overall health, leading to more serious health issues.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get assessed 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 entirely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
Earwax, while frequently regarded as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing a vital role in your overall ear health. However, excessive earwax can become problematic, especially if it blocks your hearing.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can push earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Here are some better cleaning options:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear out excess wax. After the drops have been in your ear for a few minutes, tilt 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 unsure how to best clean your ears. We can prevent further issues by using specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
Hearing loss related to medication
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing problems. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
If you notice changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s important to contact your doctor. Whether your hearing loss is due to a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will help you with.
As soon as you notice signs 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. Schedule an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.