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 giggles on Halloween, the rustle of leaves beneath your feet on a crisp 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.
Missing out on these sounds can take the pleasure out of the season. Fortunately, many hearing problems are non permanent and can be managed by dealing with underlying causes that are often easy to correct or prevent. Take these actions to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
How to protect your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence revealing that exposure to loud sounds can result in short-term hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into a permanent problem. Loud noises damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to minimize the issue.
A one-time, very loud sound like an explosion can lead to temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s difficult to avoid. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, however, can also cause hearing loss and is usually easier to avoid.
The sound level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens are a much louder 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a threat to your hearing. Be careful when increasing the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the highlights of autumn are outdoor gatherings and concerts. The weather is still beautiful, and you may find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and lay down a blanket. Take care, though, if you sit directly in front of the speakers, you may be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Even further away, the decibel level at concerts is usually in the danger zone.
So what can you do?
Safeguarding your hearing by wearing earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. By taking safety measures, you can decrease the risk of hearing damage while still being able to completely enjoy the music and fireworks show. As alluring as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Keep your ears warm in chilly temperatures
It is essential to protect your ears from infections as the temperature decreases and the wind becomes more powerful. Be certain you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently associated with children, they can also impact grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, and they result in irritation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you may encounter.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. It might be a sign of another medical issue, and lack of treatment is dangerous not only for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Gently and successfully eliminate earwax
Earwax, despite being annoying, plays a crucial part in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from entering your inner ear. However, an overabundance of earwax can become a problem, particularly if it obstructs your ability to hear effectively.
The first action in avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent years reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Cotton swabs push the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Consider utilizing ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to gently cleanse your ears. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tilt your head to let them drain. Consider getting in touch with an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. They have specific instruments to make the job easier.
Medications may be the cause
A sudden decrease in your hearing abilities after beginning a new prescription could be a side effect of the medication itself. Certain antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If you are worried about this matter, contact your physician right away to find out whether you should keep using your medication.
Remember, any changes in your hearing need to get assessed right away.
Get in touch with a hearing care professional if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.