As the cool air and vibrant colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season special, 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 muddled, diminishing 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 basic protective steps. By taking proactive steps to protect your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss a beat of this fall’s magic.
Protect your hearing from loud noises
The most prevalent cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss can start to happen when you’re exposed to noises above 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
What are common sources of harmful noise?
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
One-time loud events can cause temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical care can help, it isn’t always possible to reverse the damage. Recurring exposure to loud noises, like going to concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can cause more irreversible hearing loss.
Tips for safeguarding your ears in autumn
- Use earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, bring earplugs to lower the volume without muting the experience.
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
- 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 high noise levels.
Keeping your ears healthy when it’s cold out
As temperatures fall, remember to safeguard your ears from the cold. Cold weather can have a major impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. 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 lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and swelling 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 immediately if you experience sudden hearing loss, have pain in your ear, or have any fluid draining from your ear.
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
Tips for safe ear cleaning
Earwax, while frequently thought of as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing an important role in your overall 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. Here are some better cleaning suggestions:
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you suspect you may have a wax blockage or if you’re uncertain how to best clean your ears. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further problems.
- 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, tilt your head to allow for drainage.
Hearing loss related to medication
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing problems. Common medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large doses of aspirin can impair your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you notice any hearing changes after you begin using 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 help you with.
As soon as you detect signs of hearing loss, take action
Seasonal activities 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.
