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 under your feet on a crisp fall day, the relaxing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family sitting around the table on Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.
Failing to experience these sounds can significantly diminish the cheery atmosphere. Luckily, if you have issues with your hearing, it may be short-term and triggered by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Take these steps to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
Tips for protecting your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that prolonged exposure to loud sounds can result in non permanent hearing loss, and if the exposure continues over time, it can become a permanent condition. Loud noises damage the sensitive parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to mitigate the issue.
A sudden, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can trigger short-term hearing impairment, and though timely medical assistance might reduce the effect, it is difficult to prevent. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, however, can also cause hearing loss and is usually easier to avoid.
The noise level of heavy traffic measures 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. (Unfortunately, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Fall’s festivities often include outdoor get-togethers and live music events. The weather is still lovely, and you might find yourself in a park where you can set up a grill and lay down a blanket. Take care, though, if you sit right in front of the speakers, you might be hit with a whopping 140 decibels. Concerts frequently reach unsafe decibel levels even at a significant distance.
So what can you do?
Protecting your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. You will still be able to hear the music and enjoy the fireworks, just with less potential harm to your hearing. As alluring as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Protect your ears from cold weather
Protecting your ears as the weather gets colder and more windy is essential to prevent infections. Make certain that you and your family have on ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. You might think of your children and grandchildren when you consider ear infections, but adults get them as well. 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 possible symptoms you might experience.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection. It might be an indication of another medical problem, and lack of treatment is dangerous not only for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Gently and successfully eliminate earwax
That pesky earwax may get on your nerves, but it performs the essential purpose of trapping dirt, bugs, and debris before they get into your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become an issue, especially if it impedes 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 get rid of earwax, but it’s time to stop that practice. Making use of cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, potentially resulting in a blockage and impaired hearing.
Think about utilizing ear cleaning solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or store-bought 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 worried that the blockage is too great, consult a hearing professional. Special tools are available to them that will streamline the job.
Prescription or over-the-counter drugs might be to blame
An abbrupt decrease in your hearing abilities after starting a new prescription might be a side effect of the medication itself. Certain antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If you are concerned about this matter, consult your doctor right away to figure out whether you should keep using your medication.
Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing should get checked out immediately.
If you’re detecting a decline in your hearing this season, consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for guidance.