Autumn brings in its own engaging sounds you don’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching under your feet, and kids laughing and playing. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, decreasing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing issues can be avoided or treated with simple precautions. By taking hands-on steps to protect your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound of this fall’s magic.
Safeguard your hearing from loud sounds
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can compromise the sensitive structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing impairment.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
One-time loud events can cause temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it isn’t always possible to reverse the damage. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, such as regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also lead to permanent problems.
Guidelines for protecting your ears in autumn
- Use earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, use earplugs to reduce the volume without muting the experience.
- Avoid sitting near 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 loud noise levels.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone usage and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures drop, remember to protect your ears from the chill. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you susceptible to ear infections. Adults are just as vulnerable to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause swelling and fluid buildup in the middle ear, resulting in discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection is neglected, it can affect both your hearing health and your overall health, leading to more serious health issues.
Protective measures for cold weather
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get assessed 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.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
Earwax, while frequently thought of as a nuisance, traps debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your overall ear health. 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 damaging the ear. Here are some better cleaning suggestions:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften the earwax by using over-the-counter earwax solutions 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 using specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
Hearing loss related to medication
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing problems. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impair your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you notice any hearing changes after you start taking a new medication. 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 indication of hearing loss
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.