The fall season is a standout period in the yearly calendar. Picture yourself in a cozy 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 fall day, the relaxing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family gathered around the table on Thanksgiving. Now picture a scenario where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to experience these sounds can considerably lessen the festive atmosphere. Luckily, if you have problems with your hearing, it may be temporary and caused by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Take these actions to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
How to protect your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence showing that exposure to loud noises can lead to short-term hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into a permanent problem. Excessive volume can damage the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is essential to take steps to minimize the danger.
A single, very loud sound like an explosion can cause short-term hearing loss, and while prompt medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s difficult to avoid. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can cause hearing damage and is generally more preventable.
Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens come in at 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a danger to your hearing. Be careful when boosting the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. (Unfortunately, there are no exemptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the joys of autumn are outdoor gets together and performances. The pleasant weather continues, making it an optimal time to head to a nearby park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a peaceful picnic on a blanket. Use caution when sitting directly in front of the speakers because you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts often reach unsafe decibel levels even at a significant distance.
What’s the most effective course of action to take?
Safeguarding your hearing by wearing earplugs is one of the most beneficial things you can do. By taking safety measures, you can minimize the risk of hearing damage while still being able to fully enjoy the music and fireworks display. Resist the urge to nudge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how enticing it might be.
Safeguard your ears from cold weather
It is imperative to protect your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes stronger. Be sure you and your family are using ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often related to kids, they can also affect 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 result in inflammation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, soreness, and hearing loss.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection. Not seeking treatment for this problem, which could be a warning of an underlying medical condition, poses dangers to your health.
Carefully and effectively eliminate earwax
That annoying earwax may get on your nerves, but it performs the essential function of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they get into your inner ear. However, an overabundance of earwax can become a problem, particularly if it obstructs your ability to hear properly.
Prevention is essential to preventing hearing problems caused by earwax. You might have spent decades reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clean wax, but please break that habit. Making use of cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, potentially leading to a blockage and impaired hearing.
Consider utilizing ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to gently cleanse your ears. Allow the drops to sit for a little while, then tilt your head to facilitate drainage. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are worried that the blockage is too great, consult a hearing professional. They have special instruments to make the job easier.
Prescription or over-the-counter drugs could be to blame
If you beging taking a new medicine and discovered that you suddenly have a more difficult time hearing, it could be the medication. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and different medications such as diuretics can cause issues with hearing. If you are concerned about this matter, consult your doctor right away to find out whether you should keep taking your medication.
Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing need to get assessed right away.
If you’re detecting a decline in your hearing this season, think about speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for guidance.