The fall season is a standout time in the annual calendar. Picture yourself in a relaxing setting, enveloped 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 crisp fall 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.
Failing to experience these sounds can significantly lessen the festive atmosphere. The good thing is, many hearing issues are non permanent and can be managed by dealing with underlying causes that are often simple to fix or prevent. Take these actions to protect your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
How to safeguard your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause non permanent hearing loss, and if the exposure goes on over time, it can develop into a lasting condition. Excessive volume can damage the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is important to take measures to limit the danger.
A one-time, very loud sound like an explosion can cause 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, though, can also cause hearing loss and is usually easier to avoid.
The noise level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens are a far louder 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a danger to your hearing. Be cautious when boosting the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. Regrettably, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the joys of fall are outdoor gatherings and performances. The pleasant weather continues, making it an ideal time to head to a nearby park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Take care, though, if you sit right in front of the speakers, you may be hit with a whopping 140 decibels. Concerts often reach unsafe decibel levels even at a significant distance.
What’s the best course of action to take?
Safeguarding 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 fully experience the music and fireworks show. Resist the urge to edge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how enticing it might be.
Keep your ears safe in cool temperatures
It is imperative to protect your ears from infections as the temperature decreases and the wind becomes more powerful. Be sure you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often associated with children, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not only 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 possible symptoms you might experience.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. It could be an indication of another medical concern, and lack of treatment is hazardous not just for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Carefully and effectively eliminate earwax
Earwax, in spite of being bothersome, plays a crucial part in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from reaching your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a problem, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
The first step in preventing hearing problems caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent decades grabbing a cotton swab or some other item to clean wax, but please break that habit. Cotton swabs push the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Think about utilizing ear cleaning solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to carefully cleanse your ears. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tip your head to let them drain. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are afraid that the blockage is too great, visit a hearing professional. Special tools are available to them that will simplify the job.
Prescription or over-the-counter drugs could 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, high amounts of aspirin, and different medications like diuretics can cause problems with hearing. If this is an issue for you, call your physician right away and ask whether you should keep taking your medications.
Be certain to have any decrease in your hearing immediately examined.
If you’re detecting a decline in your hearing this season, consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for guidance.
