Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Picture yourself in a relaxing setting, enveloped by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s laughs on Halloween, the rustle of leaves under your feet on a brisk autumn day, the relaxing 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 muted.
Failing to hear these sounds can substantially diminish the festive atmosphere. The good news is, if you have problems with your hearing, it may be short-term and caused by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Take these actions to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
Tips for protecting your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that prolonged exposure to loud sounds can cause temporary hearing loss, and if the exposure goes on over time, it can develop into a permanent condition. Loud noises damage the sensitive parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to mitigate the problem.
A single, very loud sound like an explosion can cause short-term hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can lead to hearing damage and is typically more preventable.
Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured 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. Regrettably, there are no special allowances for indulging in your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the joys of fall are outdoor gets together and performances. The enjoyable weather persists, making it an optimal time to head to a local park, where you can fire up a barbecue and take pleasure in a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Be careful, though, if you sit right in front of the speakers, you might be hit with a whopping 140 decibels. Concerts often reach unsafe decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
What’s the best course of action to take?
Safeguarding your hearing by wearing earplugs is one of the most beneficial things you can do. By taking precautions, you can decrease the danger of hearing damage while still being able to fully experience the music and fireworks show. As alluring as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Protect your ears from cold weather
It is essential to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes stronger. Make sure that you and your family have on ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. You might think of your children and grandchildren when you think of ear infections, but adults get them as well. Fluid build-up in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also result in inflammation. You might experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection. Not seeking treatment for this issue, which could be a warning of an underlying medical condition, poses dangers to your well-being.
Safely clean out earwax
Earwax, despite being bothersome, plays a crucial part in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from reaching your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a concern, especially if it blocks your hearing.
The first step in avoiding hearing problems 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 jam earwax deeper into your ear, possibly resulting in a buildup and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by using drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. Allow the drops to sit for a little while, then incline your head to facilitate drainage. Think about consulting 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.
Medications may be the cause
If you beging taking a new medicine and noticed that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it could be the medication. Certain antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If this is an issue for you, call your physician right away and ask whether you should keep taking your medications.
Be sure to have any decline in your hearing promptly examined.
If you’re detecting a decrease in your hearing this season, consider speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.