There are seasonal changes that can affect your hearing, and fall is no different. Maybe you are experiencing hearing loss for the first time, or your hearing loss is getting worse. In any case, fall might be a good time to schedule an appointment with your local hearing specialist.
Hearing Loss During the Seasons
When the seasons change, they bring with them their own delights and their own problems. In autumn, your hearing loss can be affected because of common seasonal changes that cause medical issues like colds, flu and allergies. For people without hearing issues, these can be a hassle. But they can make your life so much more challenging if you have any type of hearing loss. If you notice any changes or even need some seasonal advice, make an appointment with a hearing instrument specialist (HIS).
When to Visit a Hearing Instrument Specialist
Even though some changes in the seasons can affect your hearing, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with a hearing instrument specialist at the start of the fall. This way, you can get ahead of some of the things to come and have your ears checked for signs of incoming issues. A hearing instrument specialist can also help prevent the common issues that can cause hearing loss during fall and offer you expert advice on some of the worst that can affect hearing.
Itchy and Damp Ears
One of the most common issues when experiencing hearing loss is itchy and damp ears. In most cases, this is nothing to worry about, but it can cause slight hearing loss or muffled sounds. This can be made worse by common fall issues like a cold. But there are other reasons:
- Your ears often itch because there is an excessive buildup of wax in your ears.
- Itchy ears can also be a sign of an infection stemming from a seasonal cold or flu.
- Eczema and psoriasis can also cause your ears to itch and can be worse in the fall.
- Using items inside your ears to clean them can make them itch, including earbuds.
- Fall-related hay fever and pollen allergies can also cause your ears to itch more.
These are the general issues that can warrant a visit to your HIS, and they are often made worse by seasonal changes such as colder weather in the fall. Of course, any of
these at any time of the year is also a genuine concern where your care team can help.
Turning Up the TV
Having to turn up the TV to hear it as you normally would is a telltale sign of hearing loss. However, it is one of the hardest to spot personally because it happens gradually, so you think it is normal for yourself. Yet, with all the great TV shows we are normally treated to in the fall season, a family member may be more inclined to inform you that you are watching the TV a little too loud. If this is the case, it might be time to schedule an appointment or checkup visit.
Becoming Isolated
One of the least talked about aspects of hearing loss is the related depression, stress and anxiety that can come with it. This is often accompanied by staying away from social gatherings and becoming isolated. And, of course, this would be worse in the fall because of all the merriment that comes with traditional gatherings like Thanksgiving, Halloween and other various holidays. A hearing test and a hearing aid fitting can rejuvenate your social life in fall.
Noticeable Hearing Loss
Most hearing loss is gradual, but you can experience sudden hearing loss to the point where
you notice it. You may have woken up with muffled sounds similar to wearing earplugs, and this can be accompanied by blocked sinuses. This can be related to fall allergies and cold and flu but it can also indicate a hearing issue. You should get this checked because it can be a serious problem, such as a perforated drum, a brain injury or damage to the inside or outside of the ear.
Getting a Checkup
It’s easier than ever to get a checkup for your ears. If you are over 60 or have existing ear
issues, you should get a checkup once per year. Fall is a great time to get this done because it gives you the chance to seek seasonal guidance. But it can also help you remember by scheduling it for the same week as Halloween, for example. It’s also a good idea to get a checkup if you work in a loud environment, including a restaurant or enjoy loud hobbies such as gaming.
You can experience hearing loss because of the changing of the season. If you want to learn more about Audio Hearing Aid Service or hearing loss call us today at 330-244-9881 or 330-364-6637.
