The fall season is a standout time in the annual calendar. Imagine yourself settling back and enjoying the sounds– children laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your family around the table at Thanksgiving. Now picture a situation where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to experience these sounds can considerably diminish the cheery atmosphere. Fortunately, many hearing issues are non permanent and can be managed by addressing underlying causes that are often simple to fix or prevent. Take these steps to protect your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
How to safeguard your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence showing that exposure to loud noises can result in short-term hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into a permanent problem. Excessive volume can harm the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is essential to take measures to minimize the danger.
A single, very loud noise 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 generally more preventable.
Heavy traffic clocks in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured at 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Think twice about putting in earbuds and cranking up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. (Unfortunately, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Autumn’s festivities typically include outdoor parties and live music performances. The enjoyable weather persists, making it an optimal time to head to a local park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a peaceful picnic on a blanket. Be careful, though, if you sit right in front of the speakers, you might be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Even further away, the decibel level at concerts is usually in the danger zone.
So what can you do?
Safeguarding your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. By taking safety measures, you can decrease the risk of hearing damage while still being able to fully enjoy the music and fireworks show. Resist the urge to edge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how tempting it might be.
Protect your ears from cold weather
It is imperative to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature decreases and the wind becomes stronger. Be certain you and your family are using ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently associated with kids, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid build-up in the middle ear is an outcome of these infections, which also result in irritation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you may encounter.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection. Not seeking treatment for this issue, which might be a warning of an underlying medical condition, poses dangers to your health.
Carefully and effectively eliminate earwax
Earwax, in spite of being bothersome, plays a crucial part in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from entering your inner ear. However, an overabundance of earwax can become an issue, particularly if it obstructs your ability to hear properly.
Prevention is key to preventing hearing problems caused by earwax. You may have spent decades grabbing a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Using cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, possibly leading to a buildup and impaired hearing.
Consider using ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to carefully clean your ears. Allow the drops to sit for a little while, then incline your head to help with drainage. Think about consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. Special tools are available to them that will simplify the job.
Medications might be the cause
An abbrupt decline in your hearing abilities after starting a new prescription might be a side effect of the medication itself. Certain antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If you are concerned about this matter, contact your doctor as soon as possible to find out whether you should continue taking your medication.
Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing need to get checked out right away.
Get in touch with a hearing care specialist if you are noticing hearing loss this season.