As the crisp air and vibrant colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season special, 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 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.
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, leading to hearing loss.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
One-time loud events can trigger temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it’s not always possible to reverse the damage. Repeated exposure to loud noises, like attending concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can cause more irreversible hearing loss.
Guidelines for safeguarding your hearing in autumn
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be tempting, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can definitely damage your hearing.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
- Wear earplugs at events: Utilize earplugs at Halloween parties or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures drop. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. 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 trigger inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, causing discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection is neglected, it can affect both your hearing health and your general health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Protective measures for cold weather
- 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
Earwax, while frequently regarded as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your overall ear health. However, excessive earwax can become troublesome, especially if it blocks your hearing.
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this common habit can actually push the wax further into your ear canal, causing blockages and even harming the ear. Here are some better cleaning options:
- Consult a professional: If you’re not sure 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.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Use 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 several minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
Medication-related hearing problems
Hearing problems are one of the unforeseen side effects of certain medications. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
If you notice changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s important to contact your doctor. Whether your hearing loss is because of 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
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. Schedule an appointment for a consultation if you detect any changes to your hearing.
