The fall season is a standout time in the yearly calendar. Imagine yourself settling back and enjoying the sounds– children laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your loved ones around the table at Thanksgiving. Now picture a scenario where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
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 temporary and triggered by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Take these actions to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
How to protect your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence revealing that exposure to loud sounds can result in short-term hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into a permanent issue. Excessive volume can damage the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is essential to take measures to minimize the danger.
A quick, extremely loud noise like an explosion can result in short-term hearing loss, and though timely medical assistance may reduce the impact, it is tough to prevent. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
The sound level of heavy traffic is about 85 decibels, while sirens reach a much louder 120 decibels. Along with firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a threat to your hearing. Be cautious when increasing the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. (Unfortunately, there are no exemptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the joys of fall are outdoor gatherings and performances. The weather is still beautiful, and you may find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and lay down a blanket. Be careful, though, if you sit right in front of the speakers, you might be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Even further back, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.
What’s the best course of action to take?
The most ideal thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. You will still be able to hear the music and appreciate the fireworks, just with less potential harm to your hearing. As tempting as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night goes on.
Protect your ears from cold weather
Safeguarding your ears as the weather gets colder and more windy is essential to prevent infections. Make sure that you and your family have on ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often related to children, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also result in irritation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you might experience.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. It might be a sign of another medical issue, and lack of treatment is dangerous not just for your hearing but also for your general health.
Carefully and successfully eliminate earwax
Earwax, despite being bothersome, plays a crucial role in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from entering your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a concern, particularly if it obstructs your hearing.
Prevention is essential to preventing hearing problems caused by earwax. You may have spent years grabbing a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Cotton swabs push the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
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. Consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. Special tools are available to them that will streamline the task.
Medications may be the cause
A sudden decline in your hearing abilities after starting a new prescription could be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and various medications such as diuretics can trigger problems with hearing. If you are concerned about this matter, consult your doctor right away to find out whether you should keep using your medication.
Be sure to have any decrease in your hearing immediately examined.
Get in touch with a hearing care specialist if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.