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 those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, diminishing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Fortunately, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be compromised because many of the causes of hearing loss can be prevented by taking some simple protective steps. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be assertive about protecting your hearing.
Safeguard your hearing from loud noises
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can compromise the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing impairment.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
One-time loud events can result in temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it’s not always possible to counter the damage. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, such as regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also lead to permanent problems.
Autumn hearing protection tips
- Use earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween parties, bring earplugs to decrease the volume without muting the experience.
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone use and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be tempting, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can certainly damage your hearing.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. Ear infections are more common when it’s cold out and both adults and children are vulnerable.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause inflammation and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, resulting in discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Neglected ear infections can cause more serious complications, affecting both your hearing and total health.
Preventive measures for cold weather
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
- 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.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
Earwax, while frequently thought of as a nuisance, traps debris, dust, and insects, playing a vital role in your total ear health. However, too much earwax can block your ear canal and lead to 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. 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 safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by utilizing over-the-counter earwax solutions or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Let the solution sit for several minutes, then tip your head to allow it to drain.
Medication-related hearing problems
Hearing problems are one of the unforeseen side effects of certain medications. 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 important to contact your doctor. 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 signs of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with unique sounds you don’t want to miss. If you notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us for a thorough evaluation.