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 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 imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.
Missing out on these sounds can take the pleasure out of the season. Luckily, if you have problems with your hearing, it might be short-term and caused by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Take these actions to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
How to safeguard your hearing
There is indisputable evidence revealing that exposure to loud sounds can result in short-term hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into an irreversible issue. Loud noises damage the sensitive parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to mitigate the problem.
A single, very loud sound like an explosion can lead to temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, however, can also cause hearing loss and is usually easier to avoid.
The sound level of heavy traffic is about 85 decibels, while sirens reach a far louder 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a danger to your hearing. Be careful when boosting 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 highlights of autumn are outdoor gatherings and performances. The weather is still lovely, and you might find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and lay down a blanket. Take care, though, if you sit right in front of the speakers, you might be hit with a whopping 140 decibels. Even further away, the decibel level at concerts is usually in the danger zone.
What’s the most effective course of action to take?
Safeguarding 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 less possible harm to your hearing. Avoid the impulse to nudge closer to the speakers as the evening wears 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 sure that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. You might think of your children and grandchildren when you consider ear infections, but adults get them too. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is an outcome of these infections, which also lead to irritation. You might experience fluid draining from your ear, soreness, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a physician right away. It could be a sign of another medical problem, and lack of treatment is dangerous not only for your hearing but also for your general health.
Safely clean out earwax
Earwax, despite being bothersome, plays a crucial role in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from entering your inner ear. However, an overabundance of earwax can become a problem, especially if it obstructs your ability to hear properly.
The first step in preventing hearing issues caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent decades grabbing 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, 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. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are worried that the blockage is too much, consult a hearing professional. Specialised tools are available to them that will streamline the job.
Prescription or over-the-counter drugs might be to blame
If you started a new medicine and discovered that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it could be the medication. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and different medications like diuretics can cause issues with hearing. If you are concerned about this matter, consult your doctor right away to figure out whether you should continue using your medication.
Be certain to have any decrease in your hearing immediately examined.
If you’re detecting a decline in your hearing this season, think about speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for guidance.