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 beneath your feet on a crisp autumn day, the soothing 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 hear these sounds can substantially lessen the cheery atmosphere. Fortunately, many hearing issues are non permanent and can be resolved by addressing underlying causes that are usually easy to fix or prevent. Follow these guidelines to protect your hearing and fully appreciate the fall season.
Tips for preserving your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence showing that exposure to loud sounds can lead to short-term hearing loss and that long-term 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 mitigate the problem.
A sudden, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can trigger temporary hearing loss, and though prompt medical assistance might reduce the impact, it is difficult to prevent. Longer 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 harm your hearing. Think twice about putting on earbuds and turning up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. (Unfortunately, there are no exemptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Fall’s celebrations often include outdoor parties and live music events. The pleasant weather persists, making it an optimal time to head to a local park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a peaceful picnic on a blanket. Exercise prudence when sitting directly in front of the speakers because you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts often reach unsafe decibel levels even at a significant distance.
What’s the most effective course of action to take?
Safeguarding your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. By taking precautions, you can minimize the risk of hearing damage while still being able to completely enjoy the music and fireworks display. Resist the urge to nudge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how enticing it might be.
Keep your ears safe in cool temperatures
Safeguarding your ears as the weather cools down and more blustery is essential to avoid infections. Make sure that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often related to children, they can also impact grown-ups, and it’s not only limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they lead to inflammation. You might experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a physician as soon as possible. Not seeking treatment for this issue, which might be a warning of an underlying medical condition, presents risks to your health.
Safely clean out earwax
That pesky earwax might get on your nerves, but it serves the essential purpose of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they get into your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a problem, particularly if it obstructs your hearing.
The first action in avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent decades grabbing a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Making use of cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, potentially resulting in a blockage and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by putting in drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tilt 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 specialist. Specialised tools are available to them that will streamline the job.
Medications may be the cause
If you beging taking a new medication and discovered that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it could be the medication. Some antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If you are worried about this matter, consult your doctor right away to find out whether you should keep taking your medication.
Be certain to have any decrease in your hearing immediately checked out.
If you’re detecting a decline in your hearing this season, think about speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.