The fall season is a standout period in the yearly calendar. Picture yourself in a cozy setting, surrounded 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 fall 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.
Missing out on these sounds can take the pleasure out of the season. Fortunately, many hearing issues are temporary and can be resolved by addressing underlying causes that are often simple to fix or prevent. Take these steps to protect your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
Tips for preserving your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that extended exposure to loud noises can cause non permanent hearing loss, and if the exposure continues 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 lead to short-term hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, however, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
The sound level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens reach a far louder 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 closeness of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. (Regrettably, there are no exemptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Autumn’s celebrations typically include outdoor get-togethers and live music 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. Use caution when sitting directly beside the speakers because 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 most effective course of action to take?
The most ideal thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. By taking precautions, you can minimize the danger of hearing damage while still being able to completely experience the music and fireworks show. Resist the urge to edge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how enticing it may be.
Keep your ears warm in chilly temperatures
Safeguarding your ears as the weather cools down and more windy is essential to avoid infections. Be sure you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often related to kids, they can also impact grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid accumulation 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 encounter.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a physician as soon as possible. It could be a sign of another medical issue, and lack of treatment is dangerous not just for your hearing but also for your general health.
Gently and successfully eliminate earwax
That annoying earwax might get on your nerves, but it performs the essential function of trapping dirt, bugs, and debris before they get into your inner ear. However, an overabundance of earwax can become an issue, particularly if it impedes your ability to hear properly.
Prevention is essential to preventing hearing problems caused by earwax. You might have spent years reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clean wax, but please break that habit. Cotton swabs force the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Consider using ear cleaning solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to carefully clean your ears. 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 much, consult a hearing professional. They have special instruments to make the job easier.
Prescription or over-the-counter medicines could be to blame
A sudden decline in your hearing abilities after starting a new medication could be a side effect of the medication itself. Certain antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If you are worried about this matter, contact your physician as soon as possible to figure out whether you should keep taking your medication.
Be sure to have any decrease in your hearing promptly checked out.
Get in touch with a hearing care specialist if you are noticing hearing loss this season.