Autumn is one of the best 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 beneath your feet on a brisk 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 joy out of the season. The good news is, if you have issues with your hearing, it may be short-term and triggered by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Follow these guidelines to protect your hearing and fully savor the fall season.
How to safeguard your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that extended exposure to loud sounds can cause non permanent hearing impairment, and if the exposure continues over time, it can become a lasting condition. Loud noises damage the sensitive parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to minimize the problem.
A quick, extremely loud noise like an explosion can result in temporary hearing impairment, and although timely medical assistance might decrease the effect, it is difficult to prevent. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can cause hearing damage and is generally more preventable.
The sound level of heavy traffic is about 85 decibels, while sirens are a far louder 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Think twice about putting in earbuds and cranking up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. (Regrettably, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the joys of fall are outdoor gatherings and concerts. The weather is still beautiful, and you may find yourself in a park where you can set up a grill and lay down a blanket. Exercise caution when sitting directly beside the speakers as you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts often reach hazardous decibel levels even at a significant distance.
So what should you do?
Protecting your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most beneficial things you can do. You will still be able to hear the music and enjoy the fireworks, just with less possible damage to your hearing. Avoid the impulse to edge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how tempting it might be.
Keep your ears safe in chilly temperatures
It is imperative to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature decreases and the wind becomes stronger. Make sure that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. You might think of your children and grandchildren when you consider ear infections, but adults get them too. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they lead to inflammation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you may encounter.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. Not getting treatment for this issue, which could be a warning of an underlying medical condition, poses risks to your health.
Gently and successfully eliminate earwax
That pesky earwax might get on your nerves, but it performs the essential function of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a concern, especially if it obstructs your hearing.
Prevention is essential to preventing hearing problems caused by earwax. 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. Cotton swabs push the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Think about using ear cleaning solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to gently clean your ears. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tilt your head to let them drain. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are worried that the blockage is too great, consult a hearing professional. Specialised tools are available to them that will simplify the task.
Prescription or over-the-counter medicines might be to blame
A sudden decrease in your hearing abilities after beginning a new medication could be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If you are concerned about this matter, contact your doctor right away to figure out whether you should keep taking your medication.
Remember, any changes in your hearing should get checked out right away.
If you’re noticing a decline in your hearing this season, consider speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.