The fall season is a standout time in the yearly calendar. Imagine yourself settling back and enjoying the sounds– kids laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your family around the table at Thanksgiving. Now picture a scenario where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to experience these sounds can substantially lessen the festive atmosphere. Fortunately, many hearing problems are temporary and can be resolved by addressing underlying causes that are often easy to fix or prevent. Follow these suggestions to safeguard your hearing and fully savor the autumn season.
Tips for preserving your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that extended exposure to loud sounds can result in non permanent hearing loss, and if the exposure continues over time, it can develop into a permanent condition. Loud noises damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to minimize the issue.
A quick, extremely loud noise like an explosion can trigger short-term hearing impairment, and although prompt medical intervention may decrease the impact, it is tough to prevent. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, however, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured at 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Reconsider 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.)
Autumn’s festivities typically include outdoor parties and live music events. The weather is still lovely, and you might find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and spread out a blanket. Use caution when sitting directly beside the speakers as you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts often reach hazardous decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
So what can you do?
Safeguarding your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. By taking safety measures, you can minimize the danger of hearing damage while still being able to fully enjoy the music and fireworks display. As alluring as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Keep your ears safe in cool temperatures
It is imperative to protect your ears from infections as the temperature decreases and the wind becomes stronger. Make certain 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 consider ear infections, but adults get them too. These infections cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, and they lead to irritation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, soreness, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a physician as soon as possible. It might be a sign of another medical concern, and lack of treatment is hazardous not only for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Safely clear out earwax
Earwax, despite being bothersome, plays a crucial role in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from reaching your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become a problem, especially if it obstructs your ability to hear effectively.
Prevention is key to preventing hearing issues 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 practice. Making use of cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, possibly leading to a blockage and impaired hearing.
Think about using ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to carefully 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, visit a hearing specialist. Special tools are available to them that will streamline the task.
Medications might be the cause
An abbrupt decrease in your hearing abilities after starting 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 this is a problem for you, contact your doctor immediately and ask whether you should keep taking your medications.
Be certain to have any decline in your hearing immediately examined.
If you’re noticing a decline in your hearing this season, consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for guidance.