Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Picture yourself in a cozy 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 fall day, the soothing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family gathered around the table on Thanksgiving. Now picture a scenario 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 thing is, many hearing issues are temporary and can be resolved by addressing underlying causes that are usually simple to correct or prevent. Follow these suggestions to protect your hearing and fully savor the autumn season.
How to protect your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that prolonged exposure to loud sounds can cause non permanent hearing loss, and if the exposure goes on over time, it can become a lasting condition. Excessive volume can harm the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is essential to take measures to minimize the danger.
A single, very loud sound like an explosion can lead to temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s difficult to avoid. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can cause hearing damage and is generally more preventable.
The noise level of heavy traffic is about 85 decibels, while sirens are a much louder 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Think twice about putting on 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 gets together and performances. The weather is still beautiful, 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 as you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Even further back, the decibel level at concerts is usually in the danger zone.
So what can you do?
Protecting your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most beneficial things you can do. By taking precautions, you can minimize the risk of hearing damage while still being able to completely experience the music and fireworks show. As alluring as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night goes on.
Protect your ears from cold weather
It is imperative to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature decreases and the wind becomes more powerful. Make sure that you and your family have on ear protection like 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 lead to irritation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. Not getting treatment for this problem, which might be a warning of a hidden medical condition, presents dangers to your well-being.
Safely clean out earwax
Earwax, in spite of being annoying, plays a crucial role in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from entering your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a concern, especially if it blocks your hearing.
Prevention is essential to avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax. You might have spent years grabbing 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, possibly leading to 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 there for a short while, then tilt your head to help with drainage. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are afraid that the blockage is too great, visit a hearing professional. Specialised tools are available to them that will streamline the job.
Prescription or over-the-counter drugs might be to blame
If you beging taking a new medication and noticed that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it might be the medication. Some antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If you are worried about this matter, contact your doctor as soon as possible to find out whether you should continue using your medication.
Be certain to have any decline in your hearing immediately examined.
If you’re noticing a decline in your hearing this season, think about consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.