Autumn brings in its own compelling sounds you won’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, decreasing your enjoyment of these cherished moments.
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 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 sounds above 85 decibels (dB) leading to damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can result in hearing loss that is normally temporary and will clear up over a day or two. Repeated exposure to loud noises, like going to concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can cause more irreversible hearing loss.
Autumn hearing protection guidelines
- Turn down your headphones: Reduce headphone use and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Wear earplugs at events: Use earplugs at Halloween parties or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up next to the action may be tempting, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can certainly damage your hearing.
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 vulnerable to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. Ear infections are more prevalent when it’s cold out and both adults and children are vulnerable.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can trigger inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, leading to discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Neglected ear infections can cause more serious complications, impacting both your hearing and total health.
Safeguarding your ears when it’s cold
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, contact a healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
While earwax is usually viewed as a nuisance, it plays a vital role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. However, too much earwax can block your ear canal and lead to substantial problems.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can jam 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 might have a wax blockage or if you’re uncertain how to best clean your ears. We can prevent further problems by using 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 a few minutes, then tilt your head to allow it to drain.
Hearing loss induced by medication
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing issues. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impair your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you experience any hearing changes after you start using 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.
As soon as you experience signs of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal activities in autumn are full of memorable sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. If you notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us for a comprehensive assessment.