As the crisp air and bright colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, children laughing as they trick-or-treat, the gratifying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, reducing your enjoyment of these precious moments.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but the good news is, many hearing issues can be avoided or treated with simple precautions. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be assertive about protecting your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Hearing loss can begin to occur when you’re exposed to noises above 85 decibels (dB) leading to damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
What are common sources of harmful noise?
- 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 isn’t always possible to reverse the damage. Recurring exposure to loud noises, like attending concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can result in more permanent hearing loss.
Tips for protecting your hearing in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: In order to prevent damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
- Use earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, use earplugs to lower the volume without muting the experience.
- Avoid sitting beside 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 loud noise levels.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures go down, don’t forget to protect your ears from the chill. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you susceptible to ear infections. Ear infections are more prevalent when it’s cold out and both adults and children are susceptible.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and inflammation of the middle ear. Untreated ear infections can cause more serious complications, affecting both your hearing and overall health.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- 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.
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that completely cover your ears to keep them warm.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
While earwax is frequently viewed as a nuisance, it plays a critical 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 push earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Here are some better cleaning solutions:
- 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 several minutes, then tip your head to allow it to drain.
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you think you might 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.
Medication-induced hearing problems
Hearing issues are one of the unexpected side effects of certain medications. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impede your hearing.
If you notice changes in your hearing after beginning a new medication, it’s essential to contact your doctor. Whether your hearing loss is due to 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
Seasonal experiences in autumn are full of wonderful sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. Make an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.