Autumn brings in its own compelling sounds you don’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching beneath your feet, and kids laughing and playing. 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 compromised because many of the causes of hearing loss can be prevented by taking some simple protective measures. 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. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing impairment.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can cause hearing loss that is typically temporary and will improve 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 cause lasting issues.
Autumn ear protection tips
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone usage and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can expose you to dangerously high noise levels.
- Use earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween gatherings, bring earplugs to lower the volume without muting the experience.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable to infections, which in turn can affect your hearing. Adults are just as prone to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, causing discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Untreated ear infections can trigger more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and total health.
Protective measures for cold weather
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, talk to a healthcare provider immediately for assessment and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Safe ear cleaning tips
While earwax is frequently viewed as a nuisance, it plays a critical role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, too much earwax can block your ear canal and lead to considerable issues.
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 harming the ear. Better cleaning methods include:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear out excess wax. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then tip 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, visit us for a consultation. We can prevent further problems by making use of specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
Medication-induced hearing issues
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing issues. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, including diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
If you observe changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s essential to contact your doctor. They can determine whether your hearing loss is connected 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.