The fall season is a standout time in the annual 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.
Failing to hear these sounds can significantly lessen the cheery atmosphere. Luckily, if you have problems with your hearing, it may be short-term and triggered by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Take these steps to protect your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
Tips for preserving your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence showing that exposure to loud sounds can result in short-term hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into an irreversible problem. Loud noises damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to mitigate the problem.
A one-time, very loud noise like an explosion can lead to temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s difficult to avoid. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can lead to hearing damage and is typically more preventable.
The sound level of heavy traffic is about 85 decibels, while sirens are a much louder 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a danger to your hearing. Be careful when boosting the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. (Unfortunately, there are no exemptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the joys of autumn are outdoor gatherings and performances. The weather is still beautiful, and you may find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and lay down a blanket. Exercise caution when sitting directly beside the speakers as you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts frequently reach hazardous decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
What’s the best course of action to take?
Protecting your hearing by wearing earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. You will still be able to hear the music and appreciate the fireworks, just with reduced 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
Safeguarding your ears as the weather cools down and more windy is important to avoid infections. Make certain that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. You may think of your children and grandchildren when you think of ear infections, but adults get them too. These infections cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, and they result in inflammation. You might experience fluid draining from your ear, soreness, and hearing loss.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. Not getting treatment for this problem, which could be a warning of an underlying medical condition, presents dangers to your health.
Gently and effectively eliminate earwax
Earwax, in spite of being annoying, plays a crucial part in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from reaching your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a problem, particularly if it obstructs your hearing.
Prevention is essential to avoiding hearing problems caused by earwax. You might have spent many years using a cotton swab or another tool to get rid of earwax, but it’s time to stop that method. Making use of cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, possibly resulting in a blockage and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by using drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. 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, consult a hearing professional. They have special tools to make the job easier.
Medications might be the cause
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 this is a problem for you, contact your physician right away and ask whether you should continue taking your medications.
Be certain to have any decline in your hearing promptly examined.
Contact a hearing care professional if you are noticing hearing loss this season.