The fall season is a standout period in the annual calendar. Imagine yourself settling back and enjoying the sounds– children laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your family around the table at Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.
Failing to hear these sounds can significantly diminish the cheery atmosphere. 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 safeguard your hearing and fully savor the autumn season.
Tips for protecting your hearing
There is indisputable evidence showing that exposure to loud sounds can result in short-term hearing loss and that long-term exposure can turn it into an irreversible problem. Excessive volume can harm the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is important to take steps to minimize the danger.
A single, very loud sound like an explosion can cause short-term hearing loss, and while prompt medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can lead to hearing damage and is typically more preventable.
Heavy traffic clocks in at 85 decibels, and sirens come in at 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also harm your hearing. Think twice about putting in earbuds and turning up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. (Unfortunately, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the highlights of fall are outdoor gatherings and concerts. The pleasant weather persists, making it an optimal time to head to a local park, where you can fire up a barbecue and take pleasure in a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Exercise prudence when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Even further away, the decibel level at concerts is usually in the danger zone.
What’s the best course of action to take?
The best thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. By taking precautions, you can decrease 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 wears on, no matter how tempting it may be.
Keep your ears safe in cool temperatures
Protecting your ears as the weather gets colder and more blustery is important to avoid infections. Make certain that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently associated with kids, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is an outcome of these infections, which also lead to inflammation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you might experience.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. Not seeking treatment for this issue, which could be a warning of a hidden medical condition, presents dangers to your well-being.
Carefully and effectively eliminate earwax
Earwax, in spite of being annoying, plays a crucial part in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from reaching your inner ear. However, an overabundance of earwax can become a problem, especially if it obstructs your ability to hear properly.
The first step in preventing hearing problems caused by earwax is prevention. You might have spent many years utilizing a cotton swab or another tool to remove earwax, but it’s time to stop that method. Making use of cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, potentially resulting in a blockage and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by putting in drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. Allow the drops to sit for a little while, then incline your head to facilitate drainage. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are afraid that the blockage is too much, visit a hearing specialist. They have special instruments to make the job easier.
Prescription or over-the-counter drugs could be to blame
An abbrupt decline in your hearing abilities after beginning a new medication might 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 an issue for you, contact your doctor right away and ask whether you should continue using your medications.
Remember, any changes in your hearing should get assessed immediately.
If you’re detecting a decline in your hearing this season, consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.
