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 laughs on Halloween, the rustle of leaves under your feet on a brisk autumn day, the soothing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family sitting around the table on Thanksgiving. Now picture a situation where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to experience these sounds can substantially lessen the cheery atmosphere. The good thing is, many hearing problems are non permanent and can be managed by dealing with underlying causes that are often simple to fix or prevent. Follow these guidelines to protect your hearing and fully appreciate the fall season.
How to safeguard your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that prolonged exposure to loud sounds can cause temporary hearing loss, and if the exposure continues over time, it can become a permanent condition. Loud noises damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to mitigate the issue.
A quick, extremely loud noise like an explosion can result in short-term hearing loss, and though prompt medical assistance might reduce the impact, it is difficult to prevent. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can cause hearing damage and is generally more preventable.
The sound level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens reach a much louder 120 decibels. Along with firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a danger to your hearing. Be careful when boosting the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. Regrettably, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Autumn’s festivities typically include outdoor parties and live music performances. The enjoyable weather continues, making it an optimal time to head to a nearby park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Use caution when sitting directly in front of the speakers because you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts often reach hazardous decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
So what can you do?
Safeguarding your hearing by wearing earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. By taking safety measures, you can decrease the danger of hearing damage while still being able to fully experience the music and fireworks display. Resist the impulse to edge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how tempting it might be.
Safeguard your ears from cold weather
It is imperative to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes more powerful. Be certain you and your family are using ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently related to kids, they can also impact grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, and they result in inflammation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you may encounter.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. Not seeking treatment for this issue, which could be a warning of a hidden medical condition, poses risks to your well-being.
Safely clean out earwax
Earwax, in spite of being annoying, plays a crucial role in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from reaching your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become an issue, especially if it obstructs your ability to hear properly.
Prevention is key to avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax. You may have spent many years using a cotton swab or another tool to remove earwax, but it’s time to stop that method. Making use of cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, possibly resulting in a blockage and impaired hearing.
Think about using ear cleaning solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to carefully clean 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 much, visit a hearing professional. They have special instruments to make the job easier.
Prescription or over-the-counter medicines might be to blame
A sudden decrease in your hearing abilities after beginning a new medication might be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If you are concerned about this matter, contact your doctor right away to figure out whether you should keep taking your medication.
Remember, any changes in your hearing need to get checked out immediately.
Contact a hearing care specialist if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.