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 enjoyable your fall experience will be if those sounds begin to fade away.
Fortunately, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be jeopardized because many of the causes of hearing loss can be avoided by taking some basic protective steps. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be proactive about safeguarding your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Hearing loss can begin to occur when you’re exposed to sounds louder than 85 decibels (dB) resulting in damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can cause hearing loss that is normally temporary and will improve over a day or two. Repeated exposure to loud noises, like attending concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can cause more irreversible hearing loss.
Autumn ear protection tips
- Use earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, use earplugs to reduce the volume without muting the experience.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone use and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be enticing, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can absolutely damage your hearing.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to protect your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. Adults are just as prone 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 accumulation in the middle ear, leading to 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
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, consult a healthcare provider right away for assessment and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is often viewed as a nuisance, it plays a critical role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, too much 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. Better cleaning solutions include:
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you suspect you might have a wax blockage or if you’re unsure how to best clean your ears. We can safely clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further problems.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Use a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear out excess wax. After the drops have been in your ear for a few minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
Hearing loss related to medication
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing problems. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impede your hearing.
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 help you with.
As soon as you notice indications 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. Schedule an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.