As the cool air and bright colors of autumn set in, so do the sounds that make this season special, kids laughing as they trick-or-treat, the gratifying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muddled, diminishing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing problems can be avoided or treated with simple precautions. 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 loss. Hearing impairment can begin to occur when you’re exposed to noises louder than 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
What are prevalent sources of damaging noise?
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
One-time loud events can trigger temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it’s not always possible to reverse the damage. More sustained 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 guidelines
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be enticing, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can certainly damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone usage and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- 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.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures go down, don’t forget to protect your ears from the chill. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. 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 trigger inflammation and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, resulting in discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can impact both your hearing health and your general health, leading to more serious health issues.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
- 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.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is often viewed as a nuisance, it plays a critical role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and lead to substantial problems.
Many people 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 damaging the ear. Better cleaning solutions include:
- Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain about cleaning your ears or suspect you have a wax blockage, come see us for a consultation. We can prevent further problems by making use of specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
- 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 tilt your head to allow it to drain.
Hearing loss induced by 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 observe changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s important to contact your physician. They can determine whether your hearing loss is connected to the medication and advise you on the best course of action.
Take action at the first indication of hearing loss
Seasonal experiences 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 schedule an appointment with us for a comprehensive evaluation.
