The fall season is a standout time in the annual calendar. Picture yourself in a relaxing setting, surrounded 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 brisk fall day, the soothing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family sitting around the table on Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muted.
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 addressing underlying causes that are usually simple to fix or prevent. Follow these guidelines to protect your hearing and fully appreciate the autumn season.
How to safeguard your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that extended exposure to loud noises can cause temporary hearing loss, and if the exposure goes on over time, it can develop into a lasting condition. Excessive volume can damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is essential to take measures to minimize the danger.
A one-time, very loud sound like an explosion can lead to temporary 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 clocks in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured at 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also harm your hearing. Reconsider putting on earbuds and turning up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. Regrettably, 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 performances. The weather is still lovely, and you might find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and spread out a blanket. Use caution when sitting directly beside the speakers as 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?
The best 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 reduced potential harm to your hearing. As alluring as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Safeguard your ears from cold weather
It is imperative to protect your ears from infections as the temperature decreases and the wind becomes more powerful. Be sure you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. You might think of your children and grandchildren when you consider ear infections, but adults get them too. These infections cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, and they result in inflammation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you might experience.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. Not seeking treatment for this issue, which could be a warning of a hidden medical condition, presents dangers to your health.
Gently and effectively eliminate earwax
That annoying earwax might get on your nerves, but it serves the essential function of trapping dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become an issue, especially if it impedes your ability to hear properly.
Prevention is key to preventing hearing problems caused by earwax. You may have spent years reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clean wax, but please break that habit. Using cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, potentially leading to a buildup and impaired hearing.
Consider utilizing ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to carefully cleanse your ears. Allow the drops to sit for a short while, then tilt your head to facilitate drainage. Think about getting in touch with an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. They have specific tools to make the job easier.
Medications may be the cause
If you started a new medicine 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 you are worried about this matter, consult your physician as soon as possible to figure out whether you should keep using your medication.
Be certain to have any decrease in your hearing immediately checked out.
If you’re detecting a decline in your hearing this season, consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for guidance.