As the cool air and vibrant colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, kids laughing as they trick-or-treat, the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muddled, reducing 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 simple protective measures. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be assertive about safeguarding your hearing.
Safeguard your hearing from loud sounds
The most common cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss can begin to occur when you’re exposed to sounds louder than 85 decibels (dB) leading to damage to the fragile structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- 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 immediate medical care can help, it’s not always possible to reverse the damage. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also lead to permanent problems.
Autumn ear protection tips
- Wear earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, bring earplugs to reduce the volume without muting the experience.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can expose you to dangerously high noise levels.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
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. Adults are just as vulnerable to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
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 goes untreated, it can impact both your hearing health and your overall health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- 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 assessment and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by entirely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
Earwax, while frequently regarded as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your overall ear health. However, excessive earwax can become troublesome, especially if it blocks your hearing.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can jam earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Better cleaning methods include:
- 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 a few minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, come see us for a consultation. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
Hearing loss related to medication
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing issues. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, including diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you experience any hearing changes after you begin taking a new medication. Whether your hearing loss is related to a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will help you with.
As soon as you notice indications of hearing loss, take action
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.