Autumn brings in its own engaging sounds you won’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 pleasant your fall experience will be if those sounds start to fade away.
Luckily, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be compromised because many of the causes of hearing loss can be avoided by taking some basic protective measures. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be assertive about safeguarding your hearing.
Protect your hearing from loud noises
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Hearing loss can start to occur when you’re exposed to noises louder than 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
One-time loud events can cause temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it isn’t always possible to counter the damage. Recurring exposure to loud noises, like attending concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can result in more irreversible hearing loss.
Tips for safeguarding your hearing in autumn
- Avoid sitting beside 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.
- Wear earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween parties or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to prevent damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures drop, remember to safeguard your ears from the cold. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible to infections, which in turn can affect your hearing. Ear infections are more common when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and inflammation of the middle ear. If an ear infection is neglected, it can impact both your hearing health and your general 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, contact a healthcare provider immediately for assessment and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
Earwax, while frequently thought of as a nuisance, traps debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your total ear health. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and result in significant issues.
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 suggestions:
- 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 clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by using over-the-counter earwax solutions or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Let the solution sit for several minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Hearing issues are one of the unforeseen side effects of certain medications. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impair your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you notice any hearing changes after you start using a new medication. Whether your hearing loss is due to a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will help you with.
Take action at the first indication of hearing loss
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.
