Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Imagine yourself settling back and enjoying the sounds– kids laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your family 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 substantially diminish the festive atmosphere. The good thing is, many hearing issues are temporary and can be resolved by addressing underlying causes that are usually easy to correct or prevent. Follow these suggestions to protect your hearing and fully savor the fall season.
Tips for preserving your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence showing that exposure to loud noises can lead to temporary hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into an irreversible problem. Loud noises damage the sensitive parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to minimize the issue.
A one-time, very loud sound like an explosion can lead to short-term hearing loss, and while prompt medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s difficult to avoid. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, however, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
Heavy traffic clocks in at 85 decibels, and sirens come in at 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Think twice about putting on earbuds and cranking up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. (Regrettably, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Autumn’s celebrations often include outdoor parties and live music events. The pleasant weather continues, making it an ideal 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 beside the speakers because you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Even further back, the decibel level at concerts is usually in the danger zone.
What’s the most effective course of action to take?
The best thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. By taking safety measures, you can decrease the risk of hearing damage while still being able to completely experience the music and fireworks display. Avoid the urge to edge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how tempting it may be.
Safeguard your ears from cold weather
Safeguarding your ears as the weather cools down and more blustery is essential to avoid infections. Be certain you and your family are using ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently 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 result in inflammation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you may encounter.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a physician as soon as possible. It could be a sign of another medical issue, and lack of treatment is hazardous not only for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Carefully and effectively eliminate earwax
Earwax, despite being annoying, plays a crucial part in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from entering your inner ear. However, an overabundance of earwax can become a problem, especially if it impedes your ability to hear effectively.
The first action in preventing hearing issues caused by earwax is prevention. You might have spent years reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Cotton swabs force the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Consider utilizing ear cleaning solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to gently 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, visit a hearing specialist. They have special tools to make the job easier.
Prescription or over-the-counter drugs might be to blame
An abbrupt decline in your hearing abilities after beginning a new prescription could be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and different medications like diuretics can cause issues with hearing. If this is an issue for you, call your physician right away and inquire whether you should keep using your medications.
Be certain to have any decline in your hearing immediately checked out.
If you’re detecting a decline in your hearing this season, think about consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for guidance.
