As the crisp air and vibrant colors of autumn set in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, kids laughing as they trick-or-treat, the gratifying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine how much less pleasant your fall experience will be if those sounds begin 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 safeguarding your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
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.
What are typical sources of harmful noise?
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
One-time loud events can result in temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it isn’t 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 lasting problems.
Autumn hearing protection guidelines
- Use earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, bring earplugs to decrease the volume without muting the experience.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to prevent damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can expose you to dangerously loud noise levels.
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 affect your hearing. Ear infections are more common when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can trigger swelling and fluid buildup in the middle ear, resulting in discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can affect both your hearing health and your general health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- 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.
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
Tips for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is frequently viewed as a nuisance, it plays a crucial role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. 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 pack the wax further into your ear canal, creating blockages and even damaging the ear. Here are some better cleaning solutions:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften 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 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 clear out the earwax.
Hearing loss related to medication
Hearing issues are one of the unexpected side effects of some medications. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impair your hearing.
If you notice changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s essential to contact your physician. Whether your hearing loss is because of a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will help you with.
Take action at the first indication 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.