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 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 sitting around the table on Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muted.
Failing to experience these sounds can substantially lessen the festive atmosphere. Luckily, if you have problems with your hearing, it might be short-term and caused by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Take these actions to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
Tips for preserving your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that prolonged exposure to loud noises can result in temporary hearing loss, and if the exposure continues over time, it can develop into a permanent condition. Loud noises damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to minimize the problem.
A single, very loud noise like an explosion can cause temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Longer 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 is about 85 decibels, while sirens reach a much louder 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a threat to your hearing. Be careful when increasing the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. (Unfortunately, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the joys of fall are outdoor gatherings and performances. The pleasant 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 peaceful picnic on a blanket. Use caution when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts often 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. You will still be able to hear the music and appreciate the fireworks, just with less possible damage to your hearing. Avoid the impulse to edge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how tempting it may be.
Protect your ears from cold weather
Protecting your ears as the weather cools down and more windy is important to avoid infections. Make sure that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently associated with children, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not only limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also result in irritation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, soreness, and hearing loss.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection. Not seeking treatment for this issue, which might be a warning of an underlying medical condition, presents dangers to your health.
Gently and effectively eliminate earwax
That pesky earwax may get on your nerves, but it serves the important function of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become an issue, particularly if it obstructs your ability to hear effectively.
The first step in avoiding hearing problems caused by earwax is prevention. You might have spent decades grabbing a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Cotton swabs force the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Consider utilizing ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to gently clean your ears. Allow the drops to sit for a little while, then tilt your head to help with drainage. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are afraid that the blockage is too great, visit a hearing specialist. They have special tools to make the job easier.
Prescription or over-the-counter medicines might be to blame
An abbrupt decline in your hearing abilities after beginning a new prescription might be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and various medications like diuretics can cause issues with hearing. If you are concerned about this matter, contact your doctor right away to figure out whether you should keep using your medication.
Remember, any changes in your hearing need to get checked out right away.
Get in touch with a hearing care specialist if you are noticing hearing loss this season.