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 giggles on Halloween, the rustle of leaves under your feet on a crisp autumn 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.
Failing to hear these sounds can significantly diminish the festive atmosphere. The good thing is, many hearing issues are temporary and can be resolved by dealing with underlying causes that are usually easy to fix or prevent. Take these actions to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
How to protect your hearing
There is indisputable evidence showing that exposure to loud sounds can result in short-term hearing loss and that long-term exposure can turn it into an irreversible problem. Loud noises damage the sensitive parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to mitigate the issue.
A sudden, extremely loud noise like an explosion can trigger temporary hearing loss, and although timely medical assistance might reduce the effect, it is difficult to prevent. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
The sound level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens reach a far louder 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Think twice about putting on earbuds and turning up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. Regrettably, there are no special allowances for indulging in your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Autumn’s celebrations typically feature outdoor parties and live music performances. The enjoyable weather continues, making it an ideal time to head to a local park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a peaceful picnic on a blanket. Exercise prudence when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts frequently reach hazardous decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
So what should you do?
The most ideal thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. By taking precautions, you can minimize the danger of hearing damage while still being able to completely experience the music and fireworks show. Avoid the urge to edge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how enticing it might be.
Keep your ears warm in cool temperatures
Protecting your ears as the weather cools down and more windy is essential to prevent infections. Be certain you and your family are using ear muffs or a hat. You may think of your children and grandchildren when you consider ear infections, but adults get them as well. These infections cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, and they lead to irritation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you may encounter.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection. It might be a sign of another medical issue, and lack of treatment is hazardous not just for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Safely clear out earwax
Earwax, despite being annoying, plays a crucial role in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from entering your inner ear. However, an overabundance of earwax can become an issue, especially if it obstructs your ability to hear effectively.
Prevention is key to preventing hearing problems caused by earwax. You might have spent many years using a cotton swab or another tool to remove earwax, but it’s time to stop that practice. Cotton swabs push the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Think about using ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to carefully cleanse your ears. Allow the drops to sit for a little while, then incline your head to facilitate drainage. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are worried that the blockage is too much, visit a hearing specialist. They have special instruments to make the job easier.
Prescription or over-the-counter medicines might be to blame
An abbrupt decrease in your hearing abilities after starting a new medication could be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and various medications such as diuretics can trigger problems with hearing. If you are concerned about this matter, consult your physician as soon as possible to find out whether you should continue taking your medication.
Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing need to get checked out right away.
Get in touch with a hearing care specialist if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.