Autumn brings in its own engaging 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 how much less pleasant your fall experience will be if those sounds begin to fade away.
Hearing problems can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing problems can be avoided or treated with simple precautions. By taking hands-on steps to protect 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 impairment. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can compromise the sensitive structures of your inner ear, resulting in hearing impairment.
Harmful noise – some common sources
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can result in hearing loss that is usually temporary and will clear up over a day or two. More prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also cause permanent issues.
Tips for protecting your ears in autumn
- Use 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.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and reduce headphone usage.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right next to the speakers at an event can subject you to hazardously high noise levels.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures drop, remember to safeguard your ears from the chill. Cold weather can leave your ears vulnerable 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 susceptible.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and inflammation of the middle ear. If an ear infection is neglected, it can affect both your hearing health and your overall health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Protective measures for cold weather
- 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 evaluation and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by entirely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Tips for safe ear cleaning
While earwax is usually viewed as a nuisance, it plays a critical role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and lead to significant 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 methods include:
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you think you might have a wax blockage or if you’re unsure how to best clean your ears. We can safely clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Loosen the earwax by using 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.
Medication-induced hearing problems
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing issues. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impede your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you experience any hearing changes after you begin taking a new medication. Whether your hearing loss is caused by a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
As soon as you experience indications of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. If you detect any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us for a thorough evaluation.