As the cool air and bright colors of autumn set in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, kids laughing as they trick-or-treat, the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine how much less pleasant your fall experience will be if those sounds begin to fade away.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing problems can be avoided or treated with simple precautions. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat of this fall’s magic.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Hearing impairment can start to happen when you’re exposed to sounds louder than 85 decibels (dB) leading to damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
What are prevalent sources of damaging noise?
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
One-time loud events can result in temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it’s not always possible to reverse the damage. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also result in permanent issues.
Tips for safeguarding your ears in autumn
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right next to the speakers at an event can expose you to dangerously high noise levels.
- Use earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween parties, 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
As temperatures fall, don’t forget to protect your ears from the cold. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you susceptible to ear infections. Ear infections are more common when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can trigger inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, resulting in discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Neglected ear infections can cause more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and total health.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, contact a healthcare provider right away for evaluation and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by entirely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Safe ear cleaning tips
While earwax is usually viewed as a nuisance, it plays a critical role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. However, excessive 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, causing blockages and even damaging 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 away excess wax. After the drops have been in your ear for a few minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you think you may have a wax blockage or if you’re unsure how to best clean your ears. We can prevent further issues by using specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
Medication-induced hearing issues
Hearing problems are one of the unexpected side effects of certain medications. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impair your hearing.
If you observe changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s important to contact your physician. Whether your hearing loss is caused by a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
Take action at the first indication of hearing loss
Seasonal experiences in autumn are full of memorable sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. Make an appointment for a consultation if you detect any changes to your hearing.