Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Picture yourself in a cozy setting, surrounded by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s giggles on Halloween, the rustle of leaves under your feet on a crisp autumn day, the soothing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family gathered around the table on Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.
Failing to experience these sounds can substantially diminish the cheery atmosphere. The good thing is, many hearing issues are non permanent and can be managed by addressing underlying causes that are often easy to fix or prevent. Take these actions to protect your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
How to safeguard 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 issue. Excessive volume can damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is important to take steps to minimize the danger.
A quick, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can result in temporary hearing loss, and though timely medical intervention may reduce the impact, it is difficult to prevent. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is usually easier to avoid.
Heavy traffic clocks in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured at 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Reconsider putting in earbuds and cranking up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. (Regrettably, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Fall’s festivities often include outdoor parties and live music events. The pleasant weather persists, making it an ideal time to head to a local park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Exercise caution when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Even further away, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.
So what should you do?
The best thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. By taking precautions, you can decrease the risk of hearing damage while still being able to completely enjoy the music and fireworks show. As tempting as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night goes on.
Keep your ears safe in chilly temperatures
Protecting your ears as the weather gets colder and more windy is essential to prevent 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 just limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid build-up in the middle ear is an outcome of these infections, which also lead to irritation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you might encounter.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a physician as soon as possible. It might be an indication of another medical concern, and lack of treatment is hazardous not only for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Gently and successfully eliminate earwax
That pesky earwax might get on your nerves, but it performs the essential function of trapping dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a problem, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
The first action in avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent many years using a cotton swab or another tool to get rid of earwax, but it’s time to stop that practice. Making use of cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, potentially leading to a blockage and impaired hearing.
Think about utilizing ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to gently cleanse your ears. Allow the drops to sit there for a little while, then incline your head to facilitate drainage. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are worried that the blockage is too much, consult a hearing professional. Special tools are available to them that will simplify the job.
Medications might be the cause
A sudden decrease in your hearing abilities after beginning a new medication might be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and various medications like diuretics can cause issues with hearing. If this is a problem for you, call your doctor immediately and ask whether you should keep taking your medications.
Be certain to have any decline in your hearing immediately examined.
If you’re detecting a decrease in your hearing this season, consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.