As the cool air and vibrant colors of autumn roll 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 those sounds fading away or becoming muddled, reducing your enjoyment of these cherished 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 amazing soundscape, and be proactive about safeguarding your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Hearing impairment can begin to occur when you’re exposed to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the fragile structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can result in hearing loss that is usually temporary and will clear up over a day or two. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also lead to lasting problems.
Tips for safeguarding your ears in autumn
- Use earplugs at events: Use earplugs at Halloween parties or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be enticing, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can certainly damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to prevent damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures drop. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. Ear infections are more prevalent when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and inflammation of the middle ear. If an ear infection is neglected, it can affect both your hearing health and your overall health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Preventive measures for cold weather
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by entirely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get evaluated and treated by a healthcare provider immediately if you experience sudden hearing loss, have pain in your ear, or have any fluid draining from your ear.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
Earwax, while frequently regarded as a nuisance, traps debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your total ear health. However, too much earwax can become troublesome, especially if it blocks your hearing.
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common habit can actually pack the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even harming the ear. Here are some better cleaning solutions:
- 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 problems.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften the earwax by using over-the-counter earwax drops or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. After the drops have been in your ear for several minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
Medication-related hearing problems
Hearing issues are one of the unforeseen side effects of certain medications. Your hearing can be impaired by certain 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. Whether your hearing loss is due to a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
As soon as you experience 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. Make an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.