Hearing Health Guidelines For the Autumn Season

As the crisp air and vibrant colors of autumn roll in, so do the sounds that make this season unique, kids 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, decreasing your enjoyment of these cherished moments. Fortunately, your autumn experience doesn’t need to be jeopardized because many of the causes of hearing loss can be prevented by taking some basic protective steps. Make sure you don’t miss fall’s amazing soundscape, and be assertive about protecting your hearing.

Protect your ears from noise

The most common cause of both permanent and temporary hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Hearing loss can start to occur when you’re exposed to sounds louder than 85 decibels (dB) causing damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear.

Harmful noise – some common sources

• Sirens: 120 dB
• Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
• Heavy traffic: 85 dB

One-time loud events can trigger temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical care can help, it’s not always possible to reverse the damage. Repeated exposure to loud noises, like attending concerts regularly, or listening to loud audio on headphones every day, can result in more permanent hearing loss.

Autumn ear protection guidelines

• Turn down your headphones: In order to counter damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
• Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be enticing, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can definitely damage your hearing.
• Wear earplugs at events: Use earplugs at Halloween events or outdoor concerts to give your ears some level of protection while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.

Cold weather and ear health

As temperatures fall, don’t forget to protect your ears from the cold. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you susceptible to ear infections. 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 lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid accumulation and inflammation of the middle ear. If an ear infection goes untreated, it can impact both your hearing health and your overall health, leading to more serious health issues.

Protecting your ears when it’s cold

• Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by entirely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
• 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.

Safe ear cleaning guidelines

While earwax is usually viewed as a nuisance, it plays a crucial role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, an overabundance of earwax can block your ear canal and result in significant 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. Better cleaning methods include:

• Hydrogen peroxide drops: Use 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: If you’re uncertain about cleaning your ears or think you have a wax blockage, visit us for a consultation. We can safely remove the wax with specialized tools and prevent further issues.

Medication-related hearing issues

Hearing problems are one of the unforeseen side effects of certain medications. Common medications including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even large dosages of aspirin can impair your hearing. If you observe changes in your hearing after starting a new medication, it’s important to contact your physician. They can identify whether your hearing loss is due to the medication and advise you on the best course of action.

Take action at the first sign of hearing loss

Seasonal experiences in autumn are full of memorable sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. Schedule an appointment for a consultation if you detect any changes to your hearing.