As the cool air and bright 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 those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, decreasing 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 safeguards. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be proactive about protecting your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Hearing loss can start to occur when you’re exposed to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) leading to damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can lead to hearing loss that is normally temporary and will improve over a day or two. Repeated exposure to loud noises, like going to concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can result in more irreversible hearing loss.
Autumn ear protection tips
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can subject you to hazardously high noise levels.
- Use earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, bring earplugs to lower the volume without muting the experience.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone use and decrease 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. Adults are just as vulnerable to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can cause 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.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- 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.
Safe ear cleaning tips
While earwax is frequently viewed as a nuisance, it plays a critical role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. However, too much earwax can become problematic, especially if it blocks your hearing.
Many individuals use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common habit can actually pack the wax further into your ear canal, creating blockages and even harming the ear. Better cleaning solutions include:
- 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 several minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
- Consult a professional: If you’re unsure about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further problems.
Medication-induced hearing issues
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing problems. Common medications such as 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 doctor. 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.
Take action at the first indication of hearing loss
Seasonal activities in autumn are full of memorable sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. If you detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us for a comprehensive evaluation.