The fall season is a standout period in the annual calendar. Imagine yourself settling back and enjoying the sounds– children 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 muted.
Missing out on these sounds can take the enjoyment out of the season. Fortunately, many hearing issues are temporary and can be managed by addressing underlying causes that are usually simple to fix or prevent. Take these actions to protect your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
Tips for preserving your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that prolonged exposure to loud noises can result in temporary hearing impairment, and if the exposure goes on over time, it can become a lasting condition. Excessive volume can damage the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is important to take measures to limit the danger.
A quick, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can result in temporary hearing impairment, and though timely medical intervention may reduce the impact, 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 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 pose a danger to your hearing. Be cautious when boosting the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. (Regrettably, there are no exemptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Autumn’s festivities typically feature outdoor parties and live music events. The pleasant 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 caution when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Even further back, the decibel level at concerts is usually in the danger zone.
What’s the best course of action to take?
Protecting 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 appreciate the fireworks, just with less possible harm to your hearing. As tempting as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night goes on.
Keep your ears warm in chilly temperatures
Safeguarding your ears as the weather cools down and more blustery is important to avoid infections. Be sure you and your family are using ear muffs or a hat. You may think of your children and grandchildren when you think of ear infections, but adults get them as well. Fluid build-up in the middle ear is an outcome of these infections, which also 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 consult a physician right away. Not getting treatment for this issue, which could be a warning of a hidden medical condition, poses risks to your health.
Safely clear out earwax
That pesky earwax might get on your nerves, but it serves the essential purpose of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. However, an overabundance of earwax can become an issue, particularly if it impedes your ability to hear effectively.
Prevention is key to preventing hearing issues 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 method. Cotton swabs force the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Try cleaning your ears by putting in 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 afraid that the blockage is too great, visit a hearing professional. Special tools are available to them that will streamline the task.
Prescription or over-the-counter drugs might be to blame
An abbrupt decrease in your hearing abilities after beginning a new prescription could be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and different medications like diuretics can cause problems with hearing. If you are concerned about this matter, consult your doctor 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.
If you’re detecting a decrease in your hearing this season, consider speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for guidance.