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 giggles on Halloween, the rustle of leaves under 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 scenario where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Missing out on these sounds can take the pleasure out of the season. Fortunately, many hearing issues are temporary and can be resolved by dealing with underlying causes that are usually simple to correct or prevent. Take these steps to protect your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
How to safeguard your hearing
There is indisputable evidence revealing that exposure to loud noises can lead to short-term hearing loss and that long-term exposure can turn it into a long-term problem. Excessive volume can harm the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is important to take measures to minimize the danger.
A sudden, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can result in short-term hearing impairment, and though prompt medical intervention might decrease the effect, it is difficult to prevent. Longer 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 is about 85 decibels, while sirens reach a far louder 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also harm your hearing. Think twice about putting in earbuds and cranking 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 events. The pleasant weather persists, making it an optimal time to head to a nearby park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a peaceful picnic on a blanket. Be careful, though, if you sit right in front of the speakers, you might be hit with a whopping 140 decibels. Concerts often reach hazardous decibel levels even at a significant distance.
So what should you do?
The best thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. You will still be able to hear the music and appreciate the fireworks, just with reduced potential damage to your hearing. As alluring as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Safeguard your ears from cold weather
Safeguarding your ears as the weather cools down and more blustery is important to prevent infections. Make sure that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often related to kids, they can also impact grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid build-up in the middle ear is an outcome of these infections, which also result in irritation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you might experience.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection. Not seeking treatment for this issue, which could be a warning of a hidden medical condition, poses dangers to your well-being.
Carefully and successfully eliminate earwax
That pesky earwax may get on your nerves, but it serves the important function of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they get into your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a problem, especially if it obstructs your hearing.
Prevention is key to avoiding hearing problems caused by earwax. You might have spent many years utilizing a cotton swab or another tool to get rid of earwax, but it’s time to stop that practice. Using cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, possibly leading to a blockage and impaired hearing.
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 tilt your head to let them drain. Consider getting in touch with 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 may be the cause
If you beging taking a new medication and noticed that you suddenly have a more difficult time hearing, it could be the medication. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and different medications such as diuretics can cause problems with hearing. If you are concerned about this matter, contact your physician as soon as possible to figure out whether you should keep using your medication.
Remember, any changes in your hearing should get checked out right away.
Contact a hearing care specialist if you are noticing hearing loss this season.