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 kids laughing and playing. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muffled, reducing your enjoyment of these cherished 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 safeguards. By taking hands-on steps to safeguard your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat of this fall’s magic.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Hearing loss can start to happen when you’re exposed to noises above 85 decibels (dB) leading to damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some prevalent sources
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can cause hearing loss that is typically temporary and will improve over a day or two. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, such as regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also lead to lasting issues.
Tips for protecting your ears in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
- Use earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween gatherings, use earplugs to decrease the volume without muting the experience.
- Avoid sitting beside 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.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures drop. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Adults are just as prone to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and inflammation of the middle ear. Neglected ear infections can trigger more serious complications, affecting both your hearing and overall health.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- 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.
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
While earwax is frequently 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 become problematic, especially if it blocks your hearing.
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 suggestions:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften the earwax by utilizing over-the-counter earwax solutions or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. After the drops have been in your ear for several minutes, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
- 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 safely clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
Medication-related hearing issues
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 impair your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you experience any hearing changes after you start using a new medication. They can identify whether your hearing loss is due to the medication and advise you on the best plan of action.
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 detect any changes to your hearing.
