As the cool air and vibrant colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season special, children laughing as they trick-or-treat, the gratifying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine how much less enjoyable your fall experience will be if those sounds start 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 simple protective steps. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be assertive about protecting your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
The most common cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Hearing impairment can begin to happen when you’re exposed to sounds louder than 85 decibels (dB) resulting in damage to the sensitive 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
Periodically attending a loud event can result in hearing loss that is normally temporary and will improve over a day or two. 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.
Guidelines for protecting your ears in autumn
- Use earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, use earplugs to reduce the volume without muting the experience.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be enticing, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can definitely damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone use and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. 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 swelling and fluid buildup in the middle ear, resulting in discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Untreated ear infections can trigger more serious complications, impacting 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 assessed 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.
Tips for safe ear cleaning
Earwax, while often regarded 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.
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common habit can actually push the wax further into your ear canal, creating blockages and even damaging the ear. Better cleaning solutions include:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by using over-the-counter earwax drops or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Let the solution sit for several minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
- Consult a professional: If you’re unsure 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.
Medication-induced hearing problems
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing problems. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, including diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
If you notice changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s important to contact your doctor. They can determine whether your hearing loss is related to the medication and advise you on the best course of action.
Take action at the first sign of hearing loss
Fall is filled with unique sounds you don’t want to miss. If you detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us for a thorough assessment.