The fall season is a standout period in the yearly calendar. Picture yourself in a relaxing setting, surrounded by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s giggles on Halloween, the rustle of leaves under your feet on a brisk autumn day, the relaxing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family gathered around the table on Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.
Missing out on these sounds can take the enjoyment out of the season. Fortunately, many hearing issues are non permanent and can be managed by dealing with underlying causes that are often simple to fix or prevent. Follow these suggestions to protect your hearing and fully savor the autumn season.
How to protect your hearing
There is indisputable evidence revealing that exposure to loud sounds can lead to temporary hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into a long-term issue. Loud noises damage the sensitive 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 cause short-term hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
Heavy traffic clocks in at 85 decibels, and sirens come in at 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also harm your hearing. Think twice about putting in earbuds and turning up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. (Regrettably, there are no exemptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the highlights of fall are outdoor gatherings and performances. The weather is still beautiful, and you might find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and lay down a blanket. Use caution when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Even further back, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.
What’s the best course of action to take?
Protecting your hearing by wearing earplugs is one of the most beneficial things you can do. By taking safety measures, you can decrease the risk of hearing damage while still being able to fully enjoy the music and fireworks display. Avoid the urge to nudge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how enticing it might be.
Keep your ears safe in cool temperatures
Safeguarding your ears as the weather gets colder and more windy is essential to avoid infections. Make sure that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently associated with kids, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they result in inflammation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you might experience.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. It could be an indication of another medical problem, and lack of treatment is hazardous not only for your hearing but also for your general health.
Safely clean out earwax
Earwax, in spite of being bothersome, plays a crucial role in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from reaching your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a problem, particularly if it obstructs your hearing.
The first action in avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax is prevention. 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 practice. Cotton swabs force the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
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 little while, then incline your head to help with drainage. Think about getting in touch with an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. Special tools are available to them that will simplify the job.
Prescription or over-the-counter medicines might be to blame
A sudden decline in your hearing abilities after starting a new medication 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 this is an issue for you, contact your physician immediately and ask whether you should continue taking your medications.
Remember, any changes in your hearing need to get checked out right away.
If you’re detecting a decrease in your hearing this season, think about consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for guidance.