As the cool air and bright colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, children laughing as they trick-or-treat, the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine those sounds fading away or becoming muddled, reducing your enjoyment of these precious 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 safeguards. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be proactive about safeguarding your hearing.
Protect your ears from noise
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of both temporary and permanent hearing loss. 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
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
Occasionally attending a loud event can cause hearing loss that is usually 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 cause lasting issues.
Autumn hearing protection tips
- Turn down your headphones: Limit headphone usage and decrease the volume to prevent damage over time.
- Wear earplugs at events: Make use of earplugs at Halloween events or outdoor concerts to give your ears some degree of protection while still allowing you to have a good time.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While it’s tempting to get close to the action, sitting right by the speakers at an event can expose you to hazardously loud noise levels.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures drop. 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 susceptible.
The danger of ear infections
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and swelling of the middle ear. Untreated ear infections can cause more serious complications, affecting both your hearing and total 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.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
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 substantial 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 suggestions:
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you suspect you might have a wax blockage or if you’re not sure how to best clean your ears. We can prevent further problems by making use of specialized tools to safely remove the earwax.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Soften the earwax by utilizing over-the-counter earwax solutions 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. Your hearing can be impaired by certain common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you detect any hearing changes after you begin taking a new medication. Whether your hearing loss is related to 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
Fall is filled with memorable sounds you don’t want to miss. Make an appointment for a consultation if you notice any changes to your hearing.