Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Picture yourself in a cozy setting, enveloped by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s giggles on Halloween, the rustle of leaves beneath your feet on a brisk autumn day, the relaxing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family gathered around the table on Thanksgiving. Now picture a scenario where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to hear these sounds can considerably lessen the festive atmosphere. Fortunately, many hearing issues are non permanent and can be resolved by dealing with underlying causes that are usually easy to correct or prevent. Follow these guidelines to protect your hearing and fully savor the fall season.
Tips for preserving your hearing
It is clear and undeniable 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 one-time, very loud noise like an explosion can cause temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can lead to hearing damage and is generally more preventable.
The sound level of heavy traffic is about 85 decibels, while sirens are a much louder 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a threat to your hearing. Be cautious when boosting the volume, as the proximity 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.)
Fall’s celebrations often feature outdoor get-togethers and live music performances. The weather is still lovely, and you might find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and lay down 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.
So what should you do?
Protecting your hearing by wearing earplugs is one of the most beneficial things you can do. You will still be able to hear the music and appreciate the fireworks, just with less possible harm to your hearing. As alluring as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Safeguard your ears from cold weather
It is imperative to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes stronger. Make certain that you and your family have on ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. You may 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 result in irritation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you might encounter.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection. Not seeking treatment for this problem, which could be a warning of an underlying medical condition, presents dangers to your health.
Safely clear 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 obstructs your ability to hear effectively.
The first step in preventing hearing issues caused by earwax is prevention. 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 putting in drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. Allow the drops to sit for a short while, then tilt your head to help with drainage. Think about 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
If you beging taking a new medication and noticed that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it might be the medication. Some antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If you are worried about this matter, consult your physician as soon as possible to find out whether you should continue using your medication.
Be certain to have any decline in your hearing immediately checked out.
If you’re noticing a decline in your hearing this season, think about consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.
