The fall season is a standout time in the annual calendar. Picture yourself in a relaxing setting, surrounded by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s laughs on Halloween, the rustle of leaves beneath your feet on a brisk fall day, the relaxing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family sitting around the table on Thanksgiving. Now picture a situation where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to hear these sounds can significantly lessen the festive atmosphere. The good thing is, many hearing problems are non permanent and can be resolved by addressing underlying causes that are usually simple to correct or prevent. Follow these suggestions to protect your hearing and fully savor the autumn season.
How to safeguard your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that prolonged exposure to loud noises can result in temporary hearing impairment, and if the exposure continues over time, it can develop into a permanent condition. Loud noises damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to mitigate the issue.
A single, very loud noise like an explosion can cause short-term hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help minimize 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.
The noise level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens are a much louder 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 proximity 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.
Among the joys of fall are outdoor gatherings and performances. The weather is still lovely, and you might find yourself in a park where you can set up a grill and spread out a blanket. Exercise caution when sitting directly beside the speakers because you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Even further away, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.
So what can you do?
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 reduced potential harm to your hearing. Resist the urge to nudge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how tempting it may be.
Protect your ears from cold weather
Safeguarding your ears as the weather cools down and more blustery is essential to avoid infections. Make sure that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently associated with children, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not only limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, and they result in irritation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. It might be a sign of another medical problem, and lack of treatment is dangerous not only for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Gently and effectively eliminate earwax
That pesky earwax may get on your nerves, but it performs the essential purpose of trapping dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a concern, especially if it blocks your hearing.
Prevention is key to avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax. You might have spent decades reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Making use of cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, potentially leading to a buildup and impaired hearing.
Think about using ear cleaning solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to carefully clean your ears. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tilt your head to let them drain. Think about getting in touch with an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. They have specific tools to make the job easier.
Medications may 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, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If this is an issue for you, contact your physician immediately and ask whether you should keep taking your medications.
Be sure to have any decline in your hearing promptly checked out.
If you’re detecting a decrease in your hearing this season, think about speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.