The fall season is a standout period in the annual calendar. Picture yourself in a relaxing 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 crisp autumn day, the relaxing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family sitting around the table on Thanksgiving. Now picture a scenario where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Missing out on these sounds can take the enjoyment out of the season. Fortunately, many hearing problems are non permanent and can be managed by addressing underlying causes that are often simple to fix or prevent. Take these steps to protect your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
Tips for protecting your hearing
There is indisputable evidence revealing that exposure to loud sounds can result in temporary hearing loss and that long-term exposure can turn it into an irreversible issue. Excessive volume can damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is essential to take measures to limit the danger.
A one-time, very loud noise like an explosion can lead to short-term hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help limit 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.
The noise level of heavy traffic is about 85 decibels, while sirens reach a far louder 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also harm 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 special allowances for indulging in your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Fall’s festivities often feature outdoor parties and live music performances. 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 directly in front of the speakers, you may be hit with a whopping 140 decibels. Even further away, the decibel level at concerts is usually in the danger zone.
So what should you do?
The best thing you can do for yourself is to wear earplugs. By taking safety measures, you can decrease the danger of hearing damage while still being able to fully experience the music and fireworks show. As tempting as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Keep your ears warm in chilly temperatures
Safeguarding your ears as the weather gets colder and more windy is essential to prevent infections. Be sure you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often related to kids, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid build-up in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also lead to irritation. You might experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection. Not getting treatment for this issue, which could be a warning of an underlying medical condition, poses risks to your health.
Safely clear out earwax
Earwax, despite being bothersome, plays a crucial role in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from entering your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a concern, especially if it obstructs your hearing.
The first step in avoiding hearing problems caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent years reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Making use of cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, possibly leading to a blockage and impaired hearing.
Consider utilizing ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to carefully cleanse your ears. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tip your head to let them drain. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are afraid that the blockage is too much, consult a hearing professional. Specialised tools are available to them that will streamline the task.
Medications may be the cause
A sudden decrease in your hearing abilities after starting a new prescription might be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and various medications like diuretics can trigger problems with hearing. If you are worried about this matter, contact your physician right away to figure out whether you should continue using your medication.
Be sure to have any decline in your hearing immediately examined.
If you’re detecting a decline in your hearing this season, consider speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for guidance.