The fall season is a standout period in the yearly calendar. Imagine yourself settling back and enjoying the sounds– kids laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your loved ones around the table at 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 pleasure out of the season. The good news is, if you have problems with your hearing, it may be short-term and triggered by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Follow these guidelines to protect your hearing and fully savor the autumn season.
Tips for protecting your hearing
There is indisputable evidence revealing that exposure to loud noises can result in short-term hearing loss and that long-term exposure can turn it into a long-term problem. Excessive volume can harm the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is essential to take steps to limit the danger.
A one-time, very loud sound like an explosion can cause short-term hearing loss, and while prompt medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens come in at 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a danger to your hearing. Be careful when increasing the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. Regrettably, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Autumn’s celebrations typically include outdoor parties and live music performances. The enjoyable weather continues, making it an optimal time to head to a local park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Exercise prudence when sitting directly beside the speakers as 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?
Safeguarding your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most beneficial things you can do. You will still be able to hear the music and enjoy the fireworks, just with reduced possible damage to your hearing. Resist the urge to nudge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how enticing it may be.
Keep your ears warm in cool temperatures
Protecting your ears as the weather gets colder and more windy is important to avoid infections. Be sure you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. You might think of your children and grandchildren when you think of ear infections, but adults get them too. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they result in irritation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you might experience.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a doctor right away. Not seeking treatment for this issue, which might be a warning of a hidden medical condition, presents risks to your well-being.
Safely clean out earwax
Earwax, despite being bothersome, plays a crucial role in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from reaching your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a concern, especially if it obstructs your hearing.
Prevention is key to preventing hearing problems caused by earwax. You might have spent years reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clean wax, but please break that habit. Making use of cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, possibly leading to a buildup and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by putting in drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. Allow the drops to sit there for a little while, then tilt your head to help with drainage. Think about getting in touch with an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. They have specific tools to make the job easier.
Medications may be the cause
A sudden decline in your hearing abilities after starting a new prescription could be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and various medications such as diuretics can cause issues with hearing. If you are concerned about this matter, consult your physician as soon as possible to figure out whether you should keep taking your medication.
Be certain to have any decline in your hearing immediately checked out.
If you’re noticing a decrease in your hearing this season, consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for guidance.