Autumn brings in its own compelling sounds you won’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching under your feet, and children laughing and playing. Now imagine how much less pleasant your fall experience will be if those sounds start to fade away.
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 precautions. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be proactive about protecting your hearing.
Safeguard your hearing from loud sounds
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, leading to hearing impairment.
What are typical sources of damaging noise?
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
One-time loud events can result in temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it’s not always possible to reverse the damage. Recurring 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 ear protection tips
- Wear earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, bring earplugs to reduce the volume without muting the experience.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
- 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 definitely damage your hearing.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures drop, don’t forget to safeguard your ears from the chill. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Adults are just as susceptible to ear infections as children, especially when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and inflammation of the middle ear. Neglected ear infections can cause more serious complications, affecting both your hearing and total health.
Preventive measures for cold weather
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get evaluated and treated by a healthcare provider right away if you experience sudden hearing loss, have pain in your ear, or have any fluid draining from your ear.
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, too much earwax can become problematic, especially if it blocks your hearing.
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 not sure about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, come see us for a consultation. We can prevent further problems by using specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Use a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear out excess wax. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
Hearing loss related to medication
Hearing problems are one of the unexpected side effects of some medications. Your hearing can be impaired by certain 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. Whether your hearing loss is caused by a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
As soon as you detect indications of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal experiences in autumn are full of wonderful sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. If you notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us for a comprehensive evaluation.