Autumn is one of the best times of the year. Picture yourself in a cozy setting, enveloped by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s giggles 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 sitting around the table on Thanksgiving. Now picture a situation where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Missing out on these sounds can take the enjoyment out of the season. The good news is, if you have problems with your hearing, it might be temporary and caused by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Take these actions to protect your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
How to protect your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that extended exposure to loud noises can result in non permanent hearing impairment, and if the exposure goes on over time, it can develop into a permanent condition. Excessive volume can damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is essential to take steps to minimize the danger.
A quick, extremely loud noise like an explosion can trigger temporary hearing loss, and though timely medical assistance might decrease the effect, it is difficult to prevent. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can lead to hearing damage and is typically more preventable.
Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured at 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a danger to your hearing. Be cautious when boosting the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the highlights of fall are outdoor gatherings and performances. The enjoyable weather continues, making it an optimal time to head to a nearby park, where you can fire up a barbecue and take pleasure in a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Use caution when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts frequently reach unsafe decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
So what should you do?
The best thing you can do for yourself is to wear earplugs. By taking safety measures, you can minimize the danger of hearing damage while still being able to fully experience the music and fireworks display. As tempting 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 safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes more powerful. Be sure you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently associated with children, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not only limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, and they result in irritation. You might experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a doctor right away. Not seeking treatment for this issue, which could be a warning of an underlying medical condition, poses risks to your well-being.
Safely clear out earwax
That pesky earwax may get on your nerves, but it performs the important purpose of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they get into your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become a problem, especially if it impedes your ability to hear effectively.
The first step in preventing hearing issues caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent many years using a cotton swab or another tool to get rid of earwax, but it’s time to stop that method. Making use of cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, possibly resulting in a blockage and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by using drops of hydrogen peroxide or purchasing over-the-counter drops. Allow the drops to sit for a little while, then tilt your head to facilitate drainage. Consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. They have special tools to make the job easier.
Prescription or over-the-counter medicines might be to blame
A sudden decrease in your hearing abilities after beginning 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 a problem for you, call your physician immediately and inquire whether you should continue using your medications.
Be certain to have any decrease in your hearing promptly examined.
Get in touch with a hearing care professional if you are noticing hearing loss this season.