Autumn is one of the best times of the year. Imagine yourself settling back and enjoying the sounds– children laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your loved ones around the table at Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.
Missing out on these sounds can take the pleasure out of the season. The good thing is, many hearing issues are temporary and can be resolved by dealing with underlying causes that are usually simple to correct or prevent. Take these actions to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
Tips for protecting your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that prolonged exposure to loud sounds can cause non permanent hearing loss, and if the exposure continues over time, it can develop into a permanent condition. Excessive volume can damage the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is important to take measures to minimize the danger.
A one-time, very loud noise like an explosion can cause short-term hearing loss, and while prompt medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can lead to hearing damage and is typically 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 present a danger to your hearing. Be cautious when increasing the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Fall’s festivities often feature outdoor get-togethers and live music performances. The weather is still lovely, and you might find yourself in a park where you can set up a grill and lay down a blanket. Exercise prudence when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts frequently reach unsafe decibel levels even at a significant distance.
What’s the best 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 completely enjoy the music and fireworks show. Avoid the urge to edge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how enticing it may be.
Keep your ears safe in cool temperatures
It is imperative to protect your ears from infections as the temperature drops 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 think of ear infections, but adults get them too. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is an outcome of these infections, which also result in irritation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you may encounter.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection. It might be a sign of another medical concern, and lack of treatment is hazardous not only for your hearing but also for your general health.
Carefully and effectively eliminate earwax
That annoying earwax might get on your nerves, but it performs the important purpose of trapping dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a problem, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
Prevention is key to preventing hearing issues caused by earwax. You might have spent years grabbing a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Using cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, possibly resulting in a blockage and impaired hearing.
Think about using ear cleaning solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to carefully cleanse your ears. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tilt your head to let them drain. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are afraid that the blockage is too great, visit a hearing professional. Specialised tools are available to them that will simplify the job.
Medications might be the cause
If you beging taking a new medication and noticed that you suddenly have a harder 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 physician immediately and ask whether you should keep using 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.
