The fall season is a standout period in the yearly calendar. Picture yourself in a cozy setting, surrounded by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s giggles on Halloween, the rustle of leaves beneath your feet on a crisp autumn day, the soothing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family gathered around the table on Thanksgiving. Now picture a scenario where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to hear these sounds can considerably diminish the festive atmosphere. Luckily, if you have problems with your hearing, it may be short-term and caused by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Follow these suggestions to safeguard your hearing and fully savor the fall season.
How to protect your hearing
There is indisputable evidence revealing that exposure to loud noises can lead to short-term hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into a long-term problem. Excessive volume can damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is important to take steps to limit the danger.
A sudden, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can trigger temporary hearing loss, and though prompt medical assistance may reduce the effect, it is tough to prevent. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can lead to hearing damage and is typically more preventable.
The sound level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens are a much louder 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Reconsider putting in earbuds and turning up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. (Unfortunately, there are no exemptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Autumn’s festivities typically feature outdoor get-togethers and live music performances. The weather is still beautiful, and you may find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and lay down a blanket. Use prudence when sitting directly beside the speakers as you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts often reach unsafe decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
So what can you do?
Protecting your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most beneficial things you can do. By taking safety measures, you can decrease the risk of hearing damage while still being able to fully enjoy the music and fireworks display. As tempting as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night goes on.
Safeguard your ears from cold weather
It is imperative to protect your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes more powerful. Make sure that you and your family have on ear protection like 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 accumulation in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also result in inflammation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you may encounter.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a physician as soon as possible. Not seeking treatment for this issue, which might be a warning of a hidden medical condition, presents risks to your well-being.
Safely clean out earwax
That pesky earwax might get on your nerves, but it serves the important function of trapping dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a problem, especially if it obstructs your hearing.
Prevention is key to preventing hearing issues caused by earwax. You may have spent years reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clean wax, but please break that habit. Cotton swabs force the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Try cleaning your ears by using 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. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are worried that the blockage is too much, consult a hearing professional. Special tools are available to them that will simplify the job.
Medications might be the cause
If you started a new medicine and noticed that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it might be the medication. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and different medications such as diuretics can trigger problems with hearing. If this is a problem for you, contact your doctor right away and inquire whether you should keep taking your medications.
Be certain to have any decline in your hearing immediately checked out.
Get in touch with a hearing care professional if you are noticing hearing loss this season.