The fall season is a standout period in the annual calendar. Imagine yourself sitting back and enjoying the sounds– kids laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your loved ones around the table at Thanksgiving. Now picture a situation where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to hear these sounds can considerably lessen the cheery atmosphere. The good news is, if you have issues with your hearing, it might be short-term and caused by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Take these steps to protect your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
Tips for preserving your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that prolonged exposure to loud sounds can cause non permanent hearing impairment, and if the exposure goes on over time, it can become a lasting condition. Excessive volume can harm the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is essential to take measures to minimize the danger.
A single, very loud noise like an explosion can cause short-term hearing loss, and while prompt medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, however, can also cause hearing loss and is usually easier to avoid.
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 proximity of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for indulging in your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Autumn’s festivities typically include outdoor get-togethers and live music events. The weather is still beautiful, and you might find yourself in a park where you can set up a grill and spread out a blanket. Use prudence when sitting directly beside the speakers as you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Even further back, the decibel level at concerts is usually in the danger zone.
So what can you do?
Protecting your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most beneficial 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. Resist the urge to nudge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how tempting it may be.
Keep your ears safe in chilly temperatures
It is imperative to protect your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes more powerful. 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 think of ear infections, but adults get them too. Fluid build-up in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also result in irritation. You might experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.
Get 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 risks to your health.
Safely clean out earwax
Earwax, in spite of being bothersome, plays a crucial part in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from reaching your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a concern, particularly if it obstructs your hearing.
Prevention is essential to avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax. You might have spent years reaching for 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.
Try cleaning your ears by putting in drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. Allow the drops to sit there 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 tools to make the job easier.
Prescription or over-the-counter medicines might be to blame
If you started a new medicine and noticed that you suddenly have a more difficult time hearing, it might be the medication. Some antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If this is a problem for you, call your doctor right away and ask whether you should keep using your medications.
Remember, any changes in your hearing should get checked out immediately.
If you’re noticing a decrease in your hearing this season, think about speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.