Autumn is one of the best times of the year. Imagine yourself settling back and enjoying the sounds– kids laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your loved ones around the table at Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.
Failing to hear these sounds can substantially diminish the festive atmosphere. The good news is, if you have problems with your hearing, it might be short-term and triggered by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Follow these guidelines to protect your hearing and fully appreciate the autumn season.
Tips for preserving 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 damage the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is important to take measures to limit the danger.
A sudden, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can trigger temporary hearing loss, and though timely medical intervention may reduce the effect, it is tough to prevent. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is usually easier to avoid.
Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens come in at 120 decibels. Along with firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a threat to your hearing. Be careful when increasing the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the joys of autumn are outdoor gatherings and concerts. The enjoyable weather persists, making it an ideal time to head to a nearby park, where you can fire up a barbecue and take pleasure in a peaceful picnic on a blanket. Exercise prudence when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts often reach hazardous decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
What’s the most effective course of action to take?
Safeguarding your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. You will still be able to hear the music and appreciate the fireworks, just with less possible damage to your hearing. As tempting as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Safeguard your ears from cold weather
It is essential to protect your ears from infections as the temperature decreases and the wind becomes stronger. Be sure you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. You may think of your children and grandchildren when you consider ear infections, but adults get them as well. Fluid build-up in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also lead to irritation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. Not getting treatment for this problem, which might be a warning of a hidden medical condition, poses dangers to your health.
Carefully and effectively eliminate earwax
That annoying 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 problem, particularly if it obstructs your hearing.
Prevention is essential to preventing 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 jam earwax deeper into your ear, possibly leading to a buildup and impaired hearing.
Think about using ear cleaning solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to gently cleanse your ears. Allow the drops to sit there for a short while, then tilt your head to help with drainage. Think about consulting 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
A sudden decrease in your hearing abilities after beginning a new prescription could be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If you are concerned about this matter, contact your doctor right away to figure out whether you should continue using your medication.
Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing need to get checked out right away.
Contact a hearing care professional if you are noticing hearing loss this season.