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, diminishing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing issues can be avoided or treated with simple safeguards. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be assertive about protecting your hearing.
Safeguard your hearing from loud sounds
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Hearing loss can start to happen when you’re exposed to noises louder than 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the fragile structures of the inner ear.
What are common sources of harmful noise?
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
One-time loud events can cause temporary hearing loss, and while immediate 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 cause lasting issues.
Guidelines for protecting your ears in autumn
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right next to the speakers at an event can expose you to hazardously high noise levels.
- Use earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween gatherings, use earplugs to lower the volume without muting the experience.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to prevent damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures fall, remember to protect your ears from the cold. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you susceptible to ear infections. Ear infections are more prevalent when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause swelling and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, leading to discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Untreated ear infections can cause more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and total health.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- 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.
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
Safe ear cleaning tips
While earwax is usually viewed as a nuisance, it plays a vital role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, excessive earwax can become troublesome, especially if it blocks your hearing.
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 solutions:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by using over-the-counter earwax drops or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. After the drops have been in your ear for a few minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: If you’re unsure 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
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing problems. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impede your hearing.
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 related to the medication and advise you on the best plan of action.
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. Make an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.