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 how much less pleasant your fall experience will be if those sounds start to fade away.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing problems can be avoided or managed with simple safeguards. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be proactive about safeguarding 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 occur when you’re exposed to noises louder than 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can result in hearing loss that is typically temporary and will clear up over a day or two. Repeated exposure to loud noises, like attending concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can result in more permanent hearing loss.
Autumn hearing protection guidelines
- Use 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.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right next to the speakers at an event can subject you to hazardously loud noise levels.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to counter damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to protect your ears from the cold as temperatures drop. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible 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 vulnerable.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and swelling of the middle ear. Neglected ear infections can trigger more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and overall health.
Protective measures for cold weather
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
- 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.
Tips for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is often viewed as a nuisance, it plays a vital role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. However, too much earwax can become troublesome, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
Many individuals use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common practice can actually pack the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even damaging the ear. Better cleaning solutions include:
- 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 safely clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further problems.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Use a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear away excess wax. After the drops have been in your ear for several minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
Medication-related hearing issues
Hearing problems are one of the unforeseen side effects of certain medications. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impede your hearing.
If you notice changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s essential to contact your doctor. Whether your hearing loss is because of a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will help you with.
Take action at the first sign of hearing loss
Fall is filled with unique sounds you don’t want to miss. Make an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.