Autumn brings in its own engaging sounds you won’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching beneath your feet, and kids laughing and playing. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, diminishing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing problems can be avoided or treated with simple precautions. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be assertive about safeguarding your hearing.
Safeguard your hearing from loud noises
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Hearing impairment can start to occur when you’re exposed to noises above 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can cause hearing loss that is normally temporary and will clear up over a day or two. Recurring exposure to loud noises, like going to concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can cause more irreversible hearing loss.
Autumn hearing protection tips
- Use earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween gatherings, use earplugs to lower the volume without muting the experience.
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone usage and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be enticing, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can certainly damage your hearing.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures drop, remember to safeguard your ears from the chill. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible to infections, which in turn can affect your hearing. 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 buildup 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.
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 evaluation and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Tips for safe ear cleaning
Earwax, while often regarded as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing a vital role in your total ear health. However, excessive earwax can become problematic, especially if it blocks your hearing.
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common practice can actually push the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even harming the ear. Here are some better cleaning suggestions:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Use a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear away excess wax. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
- Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, come see us for a consultation. We can prevent further issues by making use of specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
Medication-related hearing problems
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing issues. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impede your hearing.
If you observe changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s essential to contact your physician. 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.
As soon as you experience indications of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal activities in autumn are full of wonderful 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.