Autumn brings in its own compelling sounds you don’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching under your feet, and children laughing and playing. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muddled, reducing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
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 measures. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be assertive about safeguarding your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 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. 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.
Guidelines for protecting your hearing in autumn
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be enticing, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can certainly damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to prevent damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
- Wear earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween events 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 fall, don’t forget to safeguard your ears from the cold. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible to infections, which in turn can impact 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 swelling and fluid buildup in the middle ear, leading to discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Neglected ear infections can cause more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and total health.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by entirely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, contact a healthcare provider immediately for assessment and treatment.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
While earwax is often viewed as a nuisance, it plays a vital 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 significant problems.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can jam earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Here are some better cleaning suggestions:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften the earwax by utilizing 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.
- Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can safely clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing problems. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, including diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you notice any hearing changes after you begin using a new medication. Whether your hearing loss is caused by a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
As soon as you detect signs of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal activities in autumn are full of memorable sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. Schedule an appointment for a consultation if you detect any changes to your hearing.
