The fall season is a standout period 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 loved ones around the table at Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.
Missing out on these sounds can take the pleasure out of the season. Luckily, if you have problems with your hearing, it might be temporary and caused by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Follow these suggestions to safeguard your hearing and fully savor the fall season.
How to safeguard your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that extended exposure to loud sounds can cause temporary hearing impairment, and if the exposure goes on 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 single, very loud sound like an explosion can cause short-term hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
Heavy traffic clocks in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured at 120 decibels. Along with firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present 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 indulging in your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the highlights of autumn are outdoor gets together and concerts. The weather is still beautiful, and you might find yourself in a park where you can set up a grill and spread out a blanket. Be careful, though, if you sit right in front of the speakers, you may be hit with a whopping 140 decibels. Concerts frequently reach hazardous decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
So what should you do?
Safeguarding your hearing by wearing earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. By taking precautions, you can minimize the risk of hearing damage while still being able to completely enjoy the music and fireworks display. As alluring as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night goes on.
Safeguard your ears from cold weather
Protecting your ears as the weather gets colder and more windy is important to prevent infections. Make certain that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently related to kids, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not only limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also lead to inflammation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you might encounter.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Not getting treatment for this problem, which could be a warning of an underlying medical condition, poses dangers to your well-being.
Safely clean out earwax
Earwax, despite being annoying, plays a crucial role in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from entering your inner ear. However, an overabundance of earwax can become an issue, especially if it impedes your ability to hear properly.
Prevention is key to avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax. You might have spent many years using a cotton swab or another tool to remove earwax, but it’s time to stop that method. Making use of cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, possibly leading to a buildup and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by using drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tip your head to let them drain. Think about getting in touch with an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. They have specific instruments to make the job easier.
Medications might be the cause
If you started a new medicine and noticed that you suddenly have a more difficult time hearing, it could be the medication. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and various medications like diuretics can cause problems with hearing. If this is a problem for you, contact your physician right away and ask whether you should continue using your medications.
Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing should get checked out immediately.
Get in touch with a hearing care professional if you are noticing hearing loss this season.
