Autumn brings in its own engaging 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 how much less enjoyable your fall experience will be if those sounds start to fade away.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing issues can be avoided or managed with simple precautions. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be assertive about safeguarding your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
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 sounds 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
One-time loud events can trigger temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it’s not always possible to counter the damage. Repeated exposure to loud noises, like going to concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can result in more permanent hearing loss.
Guidelines for safeguarding your ears in autumn
- Use earplugs at events: If you go to outdoor concerts or Halloween parties, use earplugs to reduce the volume without muting the experience.
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone use and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Avoid sitting near loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be tempting, the noise level right beside the loudspeakers is dangerously loud and can definitely damage your hearing.
Cold weather and ear health
As temperatures go down, remember to protect 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 prevalent when it’s cold out and both adults and children are vulnerable.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause swelling and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, leading to discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing loss. If an ear infection is neglected, it can affect both your hearing health and your overall health, leading to more serious health issues.
Preventive 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 immediately for assessment and treatment.
- Wear ear protection: Invest in earmuffs, headbands, or hats that fully cover your ears to keep them warm.
Guidelines for safe ear cleaning
Earwax, while often regarded as a nuisance, captures debris, dust, and insects, playing a vital role in your overall ear health. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and lead to considerable problems.
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 options:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize 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 tip your head to allow it to drain.
- Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, come see us for a consultation. We can safely clear out the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.
Hearing loss related to medication
Hearing issues are one of the unexpected side effects of certain medications. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
If you notice changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s essential to contact your physician. Whether your hearing loss is due to a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
As soon as you notice 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. Make an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.
The content of this blog is the intellectual property of MedPB.com and is reprinted here with permission.
The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive a personalized free hearing test and hearing loss consultation, call today to set up an appointment.
