Autumn is one of the best times of the year. Picture yourself in a cozy setting, enveloped by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s laughs on Halloween, the rustle of leaves beneath your feet on a crisp fall day, the relaxing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family sitting around the table on Thanksgiving. Now picture a situation where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to hear these sounds can dramatically lessen the festive atmosphere. Fortunately, many hearing problems are non permanent and can be managed by addressing underlying causes that are often simple to fix or prevent. Take these actions to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
Tips for preserving your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence revealing that exposure to loud noises can result in short-term hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into an irreversible problem. Excessive volume can harm the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is important to take steps to minimize the danger.
A quick, extremely loud noise like an explosion can result in short-term hearing impairment, and although timely medical intervention might reduce the impact, it is difficult to prevent. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can lead to hearing damage and is typically more preventable.
The sound 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 threat to your hearing. Be careful when boosting the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. (Regrettably, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Autumn’s celebrations often feature outdoor parties and live music 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. Exercise prudence when sitting directly beside the speakers as you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts often reach unsafe decibel levels even at a significant distance.
What’s the best course of action to take?
Protecting 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 reduced potential 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 safe in chilly temperatures
Safeguarding your ears as the weather gets colder and more windy is essential to avoid infections. Be sure you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. You might 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 experience.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Not seeking treatment for this issue, which could be a warning of an underlying medical condition, poses risks to your well-being.
Gently and effectively eliminate earwax
Earwax, despite being bothersome, plays a crucial part in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from reaching your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a concern, especially if it blocks your hearing.
Prevention is key to preventing hearing issues 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 method. Cotton swabs push the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Try cleaning your ears by putting in 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. Think about getting in touch with an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. Specialised tools are available to them that will streamline the task.
Medications may be the cause
An abbrupt decrease in your hearing abilities after starting a new prescription could be a side effect of the medication itself. Certain antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If this is a problem for you, contact your physician immediately and inquire whether you should continue taking your medications.
Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing need to get checked out immediately.
If you’re noticing a decrease in your hearing this season, think about speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.