The fall season is a standout period in the annual calendar. Imagine yourself settling back and enjoying the sounds– children laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your loved ones around the table at Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muted.
Failing to hear these sounds can significantly lessen the festive atmosphere. Fortunately, many hearing problems are non permanent and can be resolved by addressing underlying causes that are often simple to correct or prevent. Follow these guidelines to safeguard your hearing and fully appreciate the autumn season.
Tips for protecting your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence revealing that exposure to loud sounds can result in short-term hearing loss and that long-term exposure can turn it into a permanent issue. Excessive volume can damage the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is essential to take steps to minimize the danger.
A sudden, extremely loud noise like an explosion can trigger short-term hearing loss, and though timely medical intervention might reduce the effect, it is difficult to prevent. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is usually easier to avoid.
Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens come in at 120 decibels. Along with firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a threat to your hearing. Be cautious when boosting the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. Regrettably, there are no special allowances for indulging in your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the highlights of autumn are outdoor gets together and performances. The weather is still lovely, and you might find yourself in a park where you can set up a grill and lay down a blanket. Exercise caution when sitting directly in front of the speakers because you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Even further away, the decibel level at concerts is usually in the danger zone.
What’s the best course of action to take?
The best thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. You will still be able to hear the music and enjoy the fireworks, just with reduced possible harm to your hearing. Avoid the impulse to edge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how tempting it may be.
Protect your ears from cold weather
Safeguarding your ears as the weather gets colder and more windy is important to avoid infections. Make certain that you and your family have on ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often associated with kids, they can also impact grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they lead to irritation. You might experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a physician as soon as possible. Not seeking treatment for this problem, which might be a warning of a hidden medical condition, presents dangers to your well-being.
Carefully and successfully eliminate earwax
Earwax, in spite of being bothersome, plays a crucial part in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from reaching your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a concern, especially if it obstructs your hearing.
The first step in avoiding hearing problems caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent decades reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Using cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, potentially leading to a buildup and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by putting in drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. 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. Special tools are available to them that will simplify the job.
Medications may be the cause
If you started a new medicine and noticed that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it could be the medication. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and different medications like diuretics can cause issues with hearing. If this is a problem for you, call your doctor immediately and inquire whether you should keep using your medications.
Be certain to have any decline in your hearing immediately examined.
If you’re detecting a decrease in your hearing this season, think about consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.