The fall season is a standout period in the annual calendar. Picture yourself in a cozy setting, surrounded by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s giggles 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 muffled.
Failing to experience these sounds can dramatically diminish the cheery atmosphere. The good news is, if you have problems with your hearing, it may be short-term and triggered by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Take these actions to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
Tips for preserving your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that extended exposure to loud noises can result in non permanent hearing loss, and if the exposure continues over time, it can become a permanent condition. Excessive volume can harm the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is essential to take steps to limit the danger.
A sudden, extremely loud noise like an explosion can result in temporary hearing loss, and although prompt medical intervention may decrease the effect, it is tough to prevent. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can cause 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. Think twice about putting in earbuds and cranking up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. (Regrettably, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Autumn’s festivities typically feature outdoor parties 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 spread out a blanket. Use prudence when sitting directly beside the speakers as you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts often reach unsafe decibel levels even at a significant distance.
So what should you do?
The best thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. You will still be able to hear the music and appreciate the fireworks, just with less potential damage to your hearing. Avoid the impulse to nudge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how tempting it may be.
Keep your ears safe in cool temperatures
Safeguarding your ears as the weather cools down and more blustery is essential to avoid infections. Be certain you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently related to kids, they can also impact grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they result in inflammation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you may experience.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. It could be an indication of another medical problem, and lack of treatment is dangerous not only for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Carefully and effectively eliminate earwax
Earwax, in spite of being annoying, plays a crucial part in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from entering your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become an issue, especially if it obstructs your ability to hear properly.
Prevention is essential to avoiding 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. Using cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, potentially resulting in a blockage and impaired hearing.
Think about using ear cleaning solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to gently clean your ears. Allow the drops to sit for a short while, then tilt your head to help with drainage. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are worried that the blockage is too much, consult a hearing specialist. They have special tools to make the job easier.
Prescription or over-the-counter drugs might be to blame
If you started a new medication and noticed that you suddenly have a more difficult time hearing, it might be the medication. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and various medications such as diuretics can cause problems with hearing. If this is an issue for you, contact your physician immediately and inquire whether you should continue using your medications.
Remember, any changes in your hearing should get assessed immediately.
If you’re detecting a decrease in your hearing this season, consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.