Autumn brings in its own compelling sounds you won’t want to miss, including the crackling of a warm fire, leaves crunching under your feet, and children laughing and playing. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muddled, reducing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Luckily, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be jeopardized because many of the causes of hearing loss can be prevented by taking some simple protective measures. By taking hands-on 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
The most common cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. 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
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
One-time loud events can cause temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it’s not always possible to reverse the damage. Repeated exposure to loud noises, like going to concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can cause more irreversible hearing loss.
Autumn ear protection guidelines
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone use and lower the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Wear earplugs at events: Utilize earplugs at Halloween gatherings or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be tempting, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can certainly damage your hearing.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to protect your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Ear infections are more prevalent when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
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 overall health, leading to more serious health issues.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, consult a healthcare provider right away for assessment and treatment.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
Earwax, while frequently regarded as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your total ear health. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and result in significant issues.
Many individuals use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common practice can actually pack the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even harming the ear. Here are some better cleaning suggestions:
- Consult a professional: If you’re not sure about cleaning your ears or suspect you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can prevent further issues by using specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize 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 tip your head to allow it to drain.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Hearing issues are one of the unforeseen side effects of some medications. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impede your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you experience any hearing changes after you begin using a new medication. Whether your hearing loss is because of 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
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. If you notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a comprehensive evaluation.
