The fall season is a standout period in the annual calendar. Picture yourself in a cozy 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 crisp autumn 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.
Missing out on these sounds can take the joy out of the season. Luckily, if you have issues with your hearing, it may be short-term and caused by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Take these actions to protect your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
Tips for protecting your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence revealing that exposure to loud sounds can lead to temporary hearing loss and that long-term exposure can turn it into a permanent problem. Excessive volume can harm the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is essential to take steps to limit the danger.
A single, very loud noise like an explosion can lead to short-term hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s difficult to avoid. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is usually easier to avoid.
The noise level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens reach a much louder 120 decibels. Along with firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a danger to your hearing. Be cautious when increasing the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. (Regrettably, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the joys of fall are outdoor gets together and concerts. The weather is still lovely, and you might find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and spread out a blanket. Exercise prudence when sitting directly in front of the speakers because you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts often reach unsafe 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. By taking precautions, you can minimize the risk of hearing damage while still being able to fully enjoy the music and fireworks display. As alluring as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Keep your ears warm in cool temperatures
It is essential to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature decreases and the wind becomes more powerful. Make sure that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. You may think of your children and grandchildren when you consider ear infections, but adults get them as well. These infections cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, and they lead to irritation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you may encounter.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a doctor right away. Not getting treatment for this issue, which might be a warning of an underlying medical condition, poses risks to your well-being.
Safely clear out earwax
That annoying earwax may get on your nerves, but it performs the essential function of trapping dirt, bugs, and debris before they get into your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a problem, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
The first action in avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent decades reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Cotton swabs push the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Try cleaning your ears by using drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tip your head to let them drain. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are worried that the blockage is too great, consult a hearing professional. Specialised tools are available to them that will streamline the job.
Medications may be the cause
If you beging taking a new medicine and noticed 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 you are worried about this matter, contact your doctor right away to find out whether you should continue using your medication.
Be certain to have any decline in your hearing immediately examined.
Contact a hearing care professional if you are noticing hearing loss this season.