Autumn brings in its own engaging sounds you don’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 muddled, reducing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing problems can be avoided or treated with simple safeguards. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be assertive about safeguarding your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
The most common 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, resulting in hearing loss.
What are prevalent sources of damaging noise?
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 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 isn’t always possible to reverse the damage. Repeated exposure to loud noises, like going to concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can result in more permanent hearing loss.
Autumn hearing protection tips
- Wear earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween parties, bring earplugs to lower the volume without muting the experience.
- 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 high noise levels.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to counter damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures drop, remember to safeguard your ears from the chill. Cold weather can have a major 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.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause inflammation and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, leading to discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can affect both your hearing health and your overall health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- 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.
Safe ear cleaning tips
Earwax, while often regarded as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing a vital role in your total ear health. However, excessive 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 push the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even harming the ear. Better cleaning solutions include:
- Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain about cleaning your ears or suspect you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can prevent further issues by making use of specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by using over-the-counter earwax solutions or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. After the drops have been in your ear for several minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
Hearing loss related to medication
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing problems. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impede your hearing.
If you observe changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s essential to contact your doctor. They can determine whether your hearing loss is due to the medication and advise you on the best course of action.
Take action at the first indication of hearing loss
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. If you detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a comprehensive evaluation.
