Autumn brings in its own engaging sounds you don’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching under your feet, and kids laughing and playing. Now imagine how much less enjoyable your fall experience will be if those sounds begin to fade away.
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 protect your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound of this fall’s magic.
Protect your ears from noise
The most common cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss can start to occur when you’re exposed to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) leading to damage to the fragile structures of the inner ear.
What are prevalent sources of harmful noise?
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can lead to hearing loss that is usually temporary and will improve over a day or two. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also result in lasting problems.
Autumn hearing protection guidelines
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be tempting, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can certainly damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone usage and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Wear earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween gatherings or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures fall, don’t forget to safeguard your ears from the chill. 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 susceptible.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, causing discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Untreated ear infections can trigger more serious complications, affecting both your hearing and total health.
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 fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
Tips for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is frequently viewed as a nuisance, it plays a critical role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and result in considerable issues.
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:
- Consult a professional: If you’re unsure about cleaning your ears or suspect you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften 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, tip your head to allow for drainage.
Hearing loss related to medication
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing problems. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you experience any hearing changes after you begin using a new medication. They can determine whether your hearing loss is related to the medication and advise you on the best course of action.
As soon as you notice indications of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. Schedule an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.