As the cool air and bright colors of autumn set in, so do the sounds that make this season special, children laughing as they trick-or-treat, the gratifying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, diminishing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing issues can be avoided or managed with simple safeguards. By taking proactive steps to protect your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound of this fall’s magic.
Protect your hearing from loud sounds
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing impairment.
What are typical 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 cause hearing loss that is usually temporary and will improve over a day or two. Recurring exposure to loud noises, like attending concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can result in more permanent hearing loss.
Autumn hearing protection guidelines
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be tempting, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can absolutely damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone usage and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Wear earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, bring earplugs to reduce the volume without muting the experience.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures go down, remember to safeguard your ears from the cold. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you susceptible to ear infections. Adults are just as susceptible to ear infections as children, especially when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, resulting in discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection is neglected, it can affect 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 immediately for assessment and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by entirely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
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. Here are some better cleaning options:
- 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 several minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: If you’re not sure 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 problems.
Medication-induced hearing problems
Hearing problems are one of the unforeseen side effects of certain medications. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
If you notice changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s essential to contact your physician. Whether your hearing loss is because of a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
As soon as you experience signs of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal experiences 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.