Autumn brings in its own engaging sounds you won’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching beneath your feet, and kids laughing and playing. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, decreasing 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 prevented by taking some basic protective steps. By taking hands-on steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat of this fall’s magic.
Protect your ears from noise
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing loss.
What are common sources of harmful noise?
- 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 normally temporary and will improve over a day or two. Recurring exposure to loud noises, like attending concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can cause more permanent hearing loss.
Autumn ear protection tips
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone usage and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- 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 have a good time.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be enticing, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can definitely damage your hearing.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures drop, don’t forget 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.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and swelling of the middle ear. If an ear infection is neglected, it can impact both your hearing health and your overall health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Preventive measures for cold weather
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get evaluated 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: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
While earwax is often viewed as a nuisance, it plays a crucial role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, too much earwax can become troublesome, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
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 harming the ear. Here are some better cleaning options:
- 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 issues by making use of specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Use a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear away excess wax. Let the solution sit for several minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
Medication-induced hearing issues
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing issues. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you detect any hearing changes after you begin taking a new medication. They can identify whether your hearing loss is due to the medication and advise you on the best course of action.
Take action at the first sign of hearing loss
Seasonal activities in autumn are full of memorable sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. Make an appointment for a consultation if you detect any changes to your hearing.