Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Imagine yourself sitting 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 imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.
Failing to hear these sounds can significantly lessen the cheery atmosphere. The good thing is, many hearing issues are temporary and can be resolved by addressing underlying causes that are often simple to correct or prevent. Follow these suggestions to protect your hearing and fully savor the fall season.
Tips for protecting your hearing
There is indisputable evidence revealing that exposure to loud noises can lead to temporary hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into a permanent issue. Excessive volume can harm the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is essential to take measures to minimize the danger.
A quick, extremely loud noise like an explosion can trigger temporary hearing loss, and though prompt medical intervention may decrease the effect, it is difficult to prevent. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can cause hearing damage and is typically more preventable.
Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens come in at 120 decibels. Along with firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a danger to your hearing. Be cautious when increasing the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for indulging in your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the highlights of fall are outdoor gatherings and 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 peaceful picnic on a blanket. Take care, though, if you sit right in front of the speakers, you might be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Concerts frequently reach hazardous decibel levels even at a significant distance.
So what can you do?
Safeguarding your hearing by wearing earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. By taking precautions, you can decrease the risk of hearing damage while still being able to completely enjoy the music and fireworks display. As tempting as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Keep your ears warm in chilly temperatures
It is essential to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes more powerful. Make sure that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently related to children, they can also impact grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid build-up in the middle ear is an outcome of these infections, which also result in inflammation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you might experience.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Not seeking treatment for this problem, which might be a warning of an underlying medical condition, presents dangers to your health.
Gently and successfully eliminate earwax
Earwax, in spite of being annoying, plays a crucial part in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from entering your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a concern, especially if it obstructs your hearing.
The first action in avoiding hearing problems caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent years reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Cotton swabs push the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Try cleaning your ears by putting in drops of hydrogen peroxide or purchasing over-the-counter drops. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tip your head to let them drain. 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 special tools to make the job easier.
Prescription or over-the-counter drugs could be to blame
A sudden decline in your hearing abilities after beginning a new prescription could be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and various medications such as diuretics can trigger issues with hearing. If you are concerned about this matter, contact your physician as soon as possible to figure out whether you should keep taking your medication.
Be certain to have any decrease in your hearing promptly examined.
If you’re detecting a decline in your hearing this season, think about speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.