As the cool air and bright colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, children 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 muffled, reducing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
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. By taking proactive steps to protect your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound of this fall’s magic.
Protect your hearing from loud noises
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing impairment.
What are prevalent sources of damaging noise?
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can result in hearing loss that is typically temporary and will clear up 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.
Guidelines for safeguarding your hearing in autumn
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right next to the speakers at an event can subject you to dangerously high noise levels.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone use and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Use earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween events or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures go down, remember to safeguard your ears from the chill. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Adults are just as vulnerable to ear infections as children, especially when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can cause swelling and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, causing discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can affect both your hearing health and your general health, leading to more serious health issues.
Protecting 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: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
Earwax, while frequently thought of as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing a vital role in your total ear health. However, too much earwax can become problematic, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can jam earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Here are some better cleaning options:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear away excess wax. After the drops have been in your ear for several minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you think you might have a wax blockage or if you’re not sure how to best clean your ears. We can prevent further problems by using specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Hearing issues are one of the unforeseen side effects of certain medications. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
If you notice changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s important to contact your physician. They can identify whether your hearing loss is due to the medication and advise you on the best plan of action.
As soon as you detect signs of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with memorable 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 comprehensive evaluation.