The fall season is a standout time in the yearly calendar. Imagine yourself sitting back and enjoying the sounds– kids laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your loved ones around the table at Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.
Failing to hear these sounds can significantly diminish the cheery atmosphere. The good news is, if you have problems with your hearing, it might be short-term and triggered by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Take these actions to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
Tips for protecting your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence revealing that exposure to loud sounds can result in short-term hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into a long-term issue. Excessive volume can damage the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is important to take steps to minimize the danger.
A one-time, very loud sound like an explosion can lead to temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured at 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a threat to your hearing. Be cautious when increasing the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. (Unfortunately, there are no exemptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the joys of fall are outdoor gets together and performances. The weather is still beautiful, and you might find yourself in a park where you can set up a grill and spread out a blanket. Be careful, though, if you sit directly in front of the speakers, you might be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Concerts frequently reach unsafe decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
What’s the best course of action to take?
Protecting your hearing by wearing earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. You will still be able to hear the music and appreciate the fireworks, just with reduced possible damage to your hearing. As tempting as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night goes on.
Keep your ears warm in chilly temperatures
Protecting your ears as the weather gets colder and more blustery is important to avoid infections. Be sure you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. You might think of your children and grandchildren when you think of ear infections, but adults get them too. Fluid build-up in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also result in inflammation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection. It could be an indication of another medical issue, and lack of treatment is hazardous not just for your hearing but also for your general health.
Safely clean out earwax
Earwax, in spite of being annoying, plays a crucial part in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from entering your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become an issue, especially if it impedes your ability to hear effectively.
Prevention is essential to preventing hearing issues caused by earwax. You may have spent years grabbing a cotton swab or some other item to clean wax, but please break that habit. Making use of cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, potentially leading to a blockage and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by putting in drops of hydrogen peroxide or purchasing over-the-counter drops. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tilt your head to let them drain. Consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. They have special instruments to make the job easier.
Medications may be the cause
An abbrupt decrease 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 this is a problem for you, contact your doctor right away and ask whether you should keep taking your medications.
Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing should get checked out right away.
Contact a hearing care professional if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.