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 children laughing and playing. Now imagine how much less enjoyable your fall experience will be if those sounds begin to fade away.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing issues can be avoided or managed with simple safeguards. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be proactive about safeguarding your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
The most common cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Exposure to sounds above 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
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
One-time loud events can trigger temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it’s not always possible to counter the damage. Recurring exposure to loud noises, like going to concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can cause more irreversible hearing loss.
Tips for protecting your hearing in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
- Use earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, bring earplugs to lower the volume without muting the experience.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can expose you to dangerously loud noise levels.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures fall. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Ear infections are more common when it’s cold out and both adults and children are vulnerable.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and swelling of the middle ear. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can affect both your hearing health and your overall health, leading to more serious health issues.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
- 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
While earwax is usually viewed as a nuisance, it plays a crucial role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, too much earwax can block your ear canal and result in substantial issues.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can jam earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Here are some better cleaning solutions:
- 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 safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Use 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 a few minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Hearing issues are one of the unforeseen side effects of certain medications. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impede your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you detect any hearing changes after you begin using a new medication. They can identify whether your hearing loss is due to the medication and advise you on the best course of action.
As soon as you experience signs of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal activities in autumn are full of wonderful sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. If you detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a thorough assessment.
