The fall season is a standout time in the yearly calendar. Imagine yourself sitting 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 picture a situation where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to hear these sounds can substantially lessen the cheery atmosphere. The good news is, if you have problems with your hearing, it may be temporary and caused by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Follow these guidelines to safeguard your hearing and fully appreciate the fall season.
Tips for preserving your hearing
There is indisputable evidence revealing that exposure to loud sounds can lead to temporary hearing loss and that long-term exposure can turn it into a long-term issue. Loud noises damage the sensitive parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to mitigate the issue.
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. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, however, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
Heavy traffic clocks 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 boosting the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. Regrettably, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Autumn’s celebrations typically feature outdoor get-togethers and live music performances. The enjoyable weather continues, making it an optimal time to head to a nearby park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Be careful, though, if you sit directly in front of the speakers, you might be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Concerts often reach hazardous decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
So what should you do?
Safeguarding your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. By taking precautions, you can minimize the danger of hearing damage while still being able to completely enjoy the music and fireworks show. Avoid the impulse to nudge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how enticing it might be.
Keep your ears safe in cool temperatures
Protecting your ears as the weather gets colder and more blustery is important to avoid infections. Make certain that you and your family have on ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently related to kids, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not only limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also lead to irritation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a doctor right away. Not seeking treatment for this problem, which might be a warning of an underlying medical condition, poses risks to your well-being.
Safely clear out earwax
That pesky earwax might get on your nerves, but it performs the essential function of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a concern, especially if it blocks your hearing.
Prevention is essential to avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax. You might have spent many years using a cotton swab or another tool to get rid of earwax, but it’s time to stop that practice. Using cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, possibly resulting in a blockage and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by using drops of hydrogen peroxide or purchasing over-the-counter drops. Allow the drops to sit for a short while, then incline your head to facilitate drainage. Consider getting in touch with an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. They have specific instruments to make the job easier.
Prescription or over-the-counter medicines might be to blame
A sudden decline in your hearing abilities after starting a new prescription could be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If you are worried about this matter, contact your doctor right away to find out whether you should keep using your medication.
Be sure to have any decrease in your hearing promptly checked out.
Get in touch with a hearing care professional if you are noticing hearing loss this season.
