The fall season is a standout time in the yearly 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 dramatically lessen the cheery atmosphere. Luckily, if you have issues with your hearing, it might be temporary and caused by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Take these actions to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
How to protect your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that extended exposure to loud noises can cause non permanent hearing impairment, and if the exposure continues over time, it can develop into a permanent condition. 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 noise like an explosion can cause short-term hearing loss, and while prompt medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s difficult to avoid. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can cause hearing damage and is generally more preventable.
The sound level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens are a far louder 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also harm your hearing. Reconsider putting on earbuds and cranking up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for indulging in your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the highlights of autumn are outdoor gatherings and concerts. The weather is still beautiful, and you might find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and lay down a blanket. Take care, though, if you sit right 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.
What’s the best course of action to take?
The best thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. You will still be able to hear the music and enjoy the fireworks, just with less potential harm to your hearing. Resist the impulse to nudge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how enticing it might be.
Safeguard your ears from cold weather
It is imperative to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes more powerful. Be sure you and your family are using ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently associated with children, they can also impact grown-ups, and it’s not only limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they result in inflammation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you might encounter.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. It might be a sign of another medical issue, and lack of treatment is dangerous not only for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Safely clean out earwax
Earwax, despite being bothersome, plays a crucial role in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from reaching your inner ear. However, an overabundance of earwax can become an issue, especially if it impedes your ability to hear properly.
The first action in preventing hearing problems caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent many years utilizing a cotton swab or another tool to get rid of earwax, but it’s time to stop that practice. Making use of cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, potentially resulting in a buildup and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by putting in drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. Allow the drops to sit for a little while, then incline your head to facilitate drainage. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are worried that the blockage is too great, visit a hearing specialist. Specialised tools are available to them that will streamline the job.
Medications might be the cause
An abbrupt decrease in your hearing abilities after beginning a new prescription could be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and various medications such as diuretics can cause problems with hearing. If this is a problem for you, contact your doctor immediately and ask whether you should keep using your medications.
Be certain to have any decrease in your hearing promptly examined.
If you’re detecting a decline in your hearing this season, consider speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.