Autumn brings in its own compelling sounds you don’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching beneath your feet, and children laughing and playing. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muddled, reducing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Luckily, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be jeopardized because many of the causes of hearing loss can be avoided by taking some basic protective measures. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful 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 loss. Hearing loss can start to happen when you’re exposed to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) resulting in damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
What are prevalent sources of harmful noise?
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
One-time loud events can result in temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it’s not always possible to counter the damage. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also lead to permanent problems.
Autumn hearing protection tips
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be enticing, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can definitely damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone usage and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Wear earplugs at events: Utilize earplugs at Halloween gatherings or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures go down, remember to safeguard your ears from the cold. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable to infections, which in turn can affect your hearing. Ear infections are more common 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 buildup and swelling of the middle ear. Untreated ear infections can cause more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and overall health.
Preventive measures for cold weather
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, talk to a healthcare provider right away for evaluation and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is often viewed as a nuisance, it plays a critical role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. However, an overabundance of 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. Here are some better cleaning suggestions:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften the earwax by using over-the-counter earwax solutions or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. After the drops have been in your ear for several minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, come see us for a consultation. We can prevent further problems by making use of specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Hearing problems are one of the unexpected side effects of certain medications. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impede your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you notice any hearing changes after you start taking a new medication. Whether your hearing loss is related to a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will help you with.
As soon as you detect signs of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. Schedule an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.
