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 kids laughing and playing. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muddled, decreasing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
Luckily, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be compromised because many of the causes of hearing loss can be prevented by taking some simple protective steps. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be proactive about safeguarding your hearing.
Safeguard your hearing from loud sounds
The most common cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss can start to happen when you’re exposed to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
One-time loud events can cause temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it’s not always possible to counter the damage. Recurring exposure to loud noises, like attending concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can cause more permanent hearing loss.
Autumn hearing protection guidelines
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone usage and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can subject you to dangerously high noise levels.
- Wear earplugs at events: Utilize earplugs at Halloween events or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to protect your ears from the cold as temperatures drop. Cold weather can leave your ears susceptible to infections, which in turn can affect your hearing. Ear infections are more common when it’s cold out and both adults and children are vulnerable.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can cause swelling and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, causing discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can affect both your hearing health and your general health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Preventive 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: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, consult a healthcare provider immediately for assessment and treatment.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
Earwax, while often thought of as a nuisance, traps debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your total ear health. However, excessive earwax can become troublesome, especially if it blocks your hearing.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can push earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Better cleaning solutions include:
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you suspect you may have a wax blockage or if you’re not sure how to best clean your ears. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by using over-the-counter earwax drops or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. After the drops have been in your ear for a few minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
Medication-induced hearing problems
Hearing problems are one of the unexpected side effects of some medications. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you experience any hearing changes after you start taking 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 assist you with.
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. If you detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a thorough assessment.