As the crisp air and bright colors of autumn set in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, kids laughing as they trick-or-treat, the gratifying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine how much less pleasant your fall experience will be if those sounds start to fade away.
Luckily, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be jeopardized because many of the causes of hearing loss can be prevented by taking some simple protective measures. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s wonderful soundscape, and be proactive about protecting your hearing.
Safeguard your hearing from loud sounds
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Hearing impairment can begin to occur when you’re exposed to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) resulting in 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
Periodically attending a loud event can lead to hearing loss that is typically temporary and will improve over a day or two. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also result in permanent problems.
Guidelines for protecting your ears in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: In order to avoid damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
- Wear earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween get-togethers, bring earplugs to reduce 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 subject you to dangerously loud noise levels.
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 susceptible to infections, which in turn can impact your hearing. Adults are just as susceptible to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and swelling of the middle ear. If an ear infection is neglected, it can affect both your hearing health and your overall health, leading to more serious health issues.
Protecting your ears when it’s cold
- Pay attention to symptoms: Get evaluated 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.
Safe ear cleaning tips
While earwax is frequently viewed as a nuisance, it plays a critical role in keeping your ears healthy by capturing dust, debris, and insects. However, too much earwax can block your ear canal and lead to significant 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. Better cleaning solutions include:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear away excess wax. After the drops have been in your ear for several minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
- 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 issues.
Medication-related hearing problems
Some medications can have unforeseen side effects, including hearing problems. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impair your hearing.
Let your doctor know if you detect any hearing changes after you start taking a new medication. They can identify whether your hearing loss is due to the medication and advise you on the best plan of action.
As soon as you experience signs of hearing loss, take action
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. If you notice any changes in your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us for a comprehensive evaluation.