Autumn is one of the best times of the year. Imagine yourself sitting back and enjoying the sounds– children laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your family around the table at Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.
Failing to experience these sounds can significantly lessen the festive atmosphere. Luckily, if you have issues with your hearing, it may be temporary and triggered by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Follow these suggestions to protect your hearing and fully appreciate the fall season.
How to protect your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that prolonged exposure to loud noises can result in non permanent hearing impairment, and if the exposure goes on over time, it can develop into a permanent condition. Excessive volume can harm the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is important to take measures to limit the danger.
A single, very loud noise like an explosion can lead to short-term hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s difficult to avoid. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is usually easier to avoid.
The sound level of heavy traffic is about 85 decibels, while sirens reach a far louder 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a danger to your hearing. Be cautious when increasing the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. (Regrettably, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the joys of autumn are outdoor gets together and concerts. 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. Be careful, though, if you sit directly in front of the speakers, you may be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Even further back, the decibel level at concerts is usually in the danger zone.
So what should you do?
The best thing you can do for yourself is to wear earplugs. By taking safety measures, you can decrease the danger of hearing damage while still being able to fully enjoy the music and fireworks show. As tempting as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night goes on.
Keep your ears safe in chilly temperatures
It is essential to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature decreases 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 consider ear infections, but adults get them as well. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they result in inflammation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you might experience.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. It could be an indication of another medical problem, and lack of treatment is dangerous not just for your hearing but also for your general health.
Gently and effectively eliminate earwax
Earwax, in spite of being annoying, plays a crucial part in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from reaching your inner ear. However, an overabundance of earwax can become an issue, especially if it impedes your ability to hear effectively.
Prevention is essential to preventing hearing issues caused by earwax. 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. Cotton swabs push the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Try cleaning your ears by putting in drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tilt your head to let them drain. Consider getting in touch with 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.
Medications might be the cause
An abbrupt decrease in your hearing abilities after starting a new medication might be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and different medications like diuretics can trigger issues with hearing. If this is a problem for you, contact your doctor immediately and ask whether you should keep taking your medications.
Remember, any changes in your hearing should get assessed right away.
Get in touch with a hearing care specialist if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.
