The fall season is a standout time in the annual calendar. Imagine yourself sitting 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 imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muted.
Failing to experience these sounds can significantly lessen the cheery atmosphere. The good news is, if you have issues with your hearing, it might be short-term and triggered by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Take these steps to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
How to safeguard your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that extended exposure to loud noises can cause temporary hearing impairment, and if the exposure continues over time, it can become a lasting condition. Loud noises damage the sensitive parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to minimize the issue.
A one-time, very loud sound like an explosion can cause short-term hearing loss, and while prompt medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
The noise level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens are a far louder 120 decibels. Along with firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a threat to your hearing. Be careful when boosting the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for indulging in your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the highlights of fall are outdoor gatherings and performances. The enjoyable weather persists, making it an optimal time to head to a local park, where you can fire up a barbecue and take pleasure in a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Exercise caution when sitting directly in front of the speakers because you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts often reach hazardous decibel levels even at a significant distance.
So what should you do?
Protecting your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most beneficial things you can do. You will still be able to hear the music and enjoy the fireworks, just with reduced possible harm to your hearing. Avoid the urge to edge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how enticing it might be.
Safeguard your ears from cold weather
Safeguarding your ears as the weather cools down 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 often associated with children, they can also impact grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, and they result in irritation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you may encounter.
Seek 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 hazardous not just for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Gently and effectively eliminate earwax
That annoying earwax might get on your nerves, but it serves the essential purpose of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become an issue, particularly if it obstructs your ability to hear properly.
Prevention is essential to preventing hearing problems caused by earwax. You may have spent many years using a cotton swab or another tool to remove earwax, but it’s time to stop that practice. Using cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, potentially leading to a blockage and impaired hearing.
Think about using ear cleaning solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to gently clean your ears. Allow the drops to sit there for a short while, then incline your head to facilitate drainage. Consider consulting 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.
Medications might be the cause
If you started a new medicine and discovered that you suddenly have a more difficult time hearing, it could be the medication. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and different medications such as diuretics can trigger problems with hearing. If this is a problem for you, call your doctor right away and inquire whether you should keep using your medications.
Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing should get assessed right away.
Get in touch with a hearing care professional if you are noticing hearing loss this season.