The fall season is a standout period in the yearly calendar. Picture yourself in a cozy setting, enveloped by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s laughs on Halloween, the rustle of leaves beneath your feet on a brisk autumn day, the soothing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family gathered around the table on Thanksgiving. Now picture a situation where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to experience these sounds can dramatically lessen the festive atmosphere. The good thing is, many hearing problems are temporary and can be managed by dealing with underlying causes that are often simple to correct or prevent. Take these steps to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
How to protect your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that extended exposure to loud sounds can cause temporary hearing loss, and if the exposure continues over time, it can develop into a lasting condition. Loud noises damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to minimize the issue.
A quick, extremely loud noise like an explosion can result in short-term hearing impairment, and although timely medical assistance might reduce the impact, it is tough to prevent. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, however, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured at 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Reconsider putting in earbuds and turning up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. Regrettably, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the joys of fall are outdoor gatherings and performances. The weather is still lovely, and you might find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and lay down a blanket. Use prudence when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts frequently reach unsafe decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
So what can you do?
Protecting your hearing by wearing earplugs is one of the most beneficial things you can do. By taking safety measures, you can minimize the risk of hearing damage while still being able to fully enjoy the music and fireworks show. As alluring as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Protect your ears from cold weather
It is essential to protect your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes stronger. Be sure you and your family are using ear muffs or a hat. You might think of your children and grandchildren when you think of ear infections, but adults get them too. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is an outcome of these infections, which also result in irritation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you may encounter.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a physician right away. It might be an indication of another medical concern, and lack of treatment is dangerous not only for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Gently and effectively eliminate earwax
Earwax, despite being annoying, plays a crucial part in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from reaching your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a concern, especially if it obstructs your hearing.
Prevention is essential to avoiding hearing problems caused by earwax. You may have spent many years utilizing a cotton swab or another tool to get rid of earwax, but it’s time to stop that method. Using cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, potentially resulting in a buildup and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by putting in drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. Allow the drops to sit there for a short while, then incline your head to facilitate drainage. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are worried that the blockage is too great, consult a hearing specialist. Special tools are available to them that will streamline the job.
Medications may be the cause
A sudden decline in your hearing abilities after starting a new prescription could be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and different medications like diuretics can trigger issues with hearing. If this is an issue for you, contact your doctor immediately and ask whether you should continue using your medications.
Be sure to have any decline in your hearing immediately examined.
Get in touch with a hearing care professional if you are noticing hearing loss this season.