Fall is a favorite time of year for many, with its cooling temperatures, changing leaves, and fun seasonal activities. However, it’s important to keep in mind that some fall activities may expose you to loud volumes that have the potential to damage your hearing.
Keep reading to learn more about noise-induced hearing loss, fall activities that may contribute, and ways to protect yourself from permanent hearing damage this season.
Noise Exposure and Hearing Loss
Repeated exposure to noises louder than 85 decibels (dB) may cause damage to your inner ear and lead to hearing loss. For reference, this is roughly the volume of city traffic. The louder the volume, the less time it takes for damage to occur. Exposure to sounds between 105-110 dB or higher can result in hearing damage in less than five minutes.
It’s important to always be aware of the effects loud noise can have on your hearing and take the necessary precautions to avoid permanent damage.
Fall Activities That Can Damage Your Ears
While not an exhaustive list, some popular fall activities that can reach damaging volumes include:
- 85-95 dB: Going to Halloween parties or haunted house attractions in loud environments
- 85-100 dB: Using a gas-powered leaf blower or lawn mower
- 85-125 dB: Woodworking or other at-home projects
- 90-117 dB: Going to a sporting event like a football game at Ohio Stadium
- 100-120 dB: Attending a live concert or large outdoor festival
- 150-160 dB: Hunting or target shooting
4 Tips to Protect Your Ears in Autumn
The good news is that there are several ways to protect your hearing health while still engaging in fall activities.
1. Choose the Right Hearing Protection
When you know you’re going to be exposed to loud noise, take precautions by using hearing protection such as foam earplugs, custom silicone earplugs, or earmuffs. The right choice for you will depend on what feels comfortable, as well as how much of a volume reduction you need to protect your ears while still being able to hear all the sounds you want and need to.
2. Keep Your Ears Warm
Cold weather and air pressure changes can contribute to hearing-related problems during the fall and winter months. These include hardened ear wax, ear infections, and, rarely, benign bone tumors called exostoses. While ear infections are often temporary conditions, untreated or continuous ear infections may lead to permanent hearing loss over time.
Temperatures in Ohio are quickly decreasing after a warmer-than-normal start to the Fall 2025 season. This “cold wave” is a welcomed relief for many, but the sudden drop in degrees also means less time for your ears to acclimate. Without a more gradual exposure to lower temperatures, you may be more likely to experience increased ear sensitivity, discomfort and pain, muffled hearing, and more.
Wearing earmuffs, hats, or headbands that fully cover your ears is a good way to keep your ears warm during the colder seasons and prevent damage from recurring infections.
3. Get a Hearing Test
If you’re having trouble following what others are saying or have noticed a ringing in your ear, these could be early signs of hearing loss. On average, people wait around 7 years from the time they first notice hearing loss symptoms to the time they make an appointment. We understand that life can get busy and your hearing health may not seem like a top priority — but ignoring the signs and symptoms of hearing loss can lead to further damage and other health issues. Don’t wait.
You can take our free, 5-minute hearing test online to determine whether or not you may have hearing loss. You can also schedule an appointment with our expert audiology team for a full hearing evaluation, which will determine if any damage has occurred as well as what treatment might be needed.
4. Use Hearing Aids (If Recommended)
The most common treatment for hearing loss is hearing aids. If your hearing test reveals that you need treatment, your Columbus Speech & Hearing audiologist will work with you to find a custom pair that works with your lifestyle and helps prevent your hearing loss from worsening.
Treat Yourself to Better Hearing This Fall
No tricks here — just treats. Protect your hearing this fall and take back control of your health. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our audiology experts, call Columbus Speech & Hearing today. Our clinicians accept Medicaid and most private insurances, as well as offer flexible financing for those who qualify.
As a nonprofit, Columbus Speech & Hearing believes everyone deserves high-quality, compassionate care for their communication needs.
Call our offices today at (614) 263-5151 or submit an appointment request form to get started.