The fall season is a standout time in the annual calendar. Picture yourself in a cozy setting, enveloped by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s laughs on Halloween, the rustle of leaves beneath your feet on a crisp fall day, the soothing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family sitting around the table on Thanksgiving. Now picture a situation where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to hear these sounds can significantly diminish the cheery atmosphere. The good thing is, many hearing issues are non permanent and can be resolved by dealing with underlying causes that are often easy to correct or prevent. Follow these guidelines to safeguard your hearing and fully appreciate the autumn season.
Tips for protecting your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence revealing that exposure to loud noises can result in temporary hearing loss and that long-term exposure can turn it into an irreversible issue. Loud noises damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to mitigate the issue.
A quick, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can trigger temporary hearing loss, and although timely medical intervention may decrease the impact, it is tough to prevent. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can lead to hearing damage and is typically more preventable.
The sound level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens are a far louder 120 decibels. Along with firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a danger to your hearing. Be careful when boosting the volume, as the proximity 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.)
Among the highlights of autumn are outdoor gatherings and performances. The weather is still lovely, and you might find yourself in a park where you can set up a grill and spread out a blanket. Exercise caution when sitting directly in front of the speakers because you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Even further away, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.
So what can you do?
The most ideal thing you can do for yourself is to wear earplugs. You will still be able to hear the music and enjoy the fireworks, just with less possible harm to your hearing. Resist the urge to edge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how tempting it might be.
Safeguard your ears from cold weather
It is essential to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes stronger. Make certain that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. You may think of your children and grandchildren when you consider ear infections, but adults get them too. Fluid build-up in the middle ear is an outcome of these infections, which also lead to inflammation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you might experience.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a physician as soon as possible. Not seeking treatment for this issue, which might be a warning of a hidden medical condition, poses risks to your well-being.
Gently and effectively eliminate earwax
Earwax, in spite of being annoying, plays a crucial role in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from reaching your inner ear. However, an overabundance of earwax can become an issue, particularly if it obstructs your ability to hear effectively.
Prevention is key to preventing hearing problems caused by earwax. You might have spent years grabbing a cotton swab or some other item to clean wax, but please break that habit. Cotton swabs push the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Consider utilizing ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to gently cleanse your ears. Allow the drops to sit for a short while, then incline your head to help with drainage. Consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. They have special instruments 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 could be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and different medications such as diuretics can trigger issues with hearing. If you are concerned about this matter, consult your doctor as soon as possible to find out whether you should keep using your medication.
Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing need to get assessed immediately.
If you’re noticing a decrease in your hearing this season, think about speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.