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 under your feet on a brisk autumn day, the relaxing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family sitting around the table on Thanksgiving. Now picture a scenario where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to hear these sounds can dramatically diminish the cheery atmosphere. Luckily, if you have issues with your hearing, it might be temporary and triggered by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Take these actions to protect your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
How to safeguard your hearing
There is indisputable evidence showing that exposure to loud noises can lead to temporary hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into an irreversible issue. Excessive volume can damage the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is important to take steps to minimize the danger.
A one-time, 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. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, however, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
The noise 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 pose a danger to your hearing. Be careful when boosting the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. (Regrettably, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Autumn’s celebrations often include outdoor parties and live music events. The weather is still beautiful, and you may find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and spread out a blanket. Take care, though, if you sit right in front of the speakers, you might be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Concerts frequently reach unsafe decibel levels even at a considerable 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 sneaking closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Keep your ears safe in cool temperatures
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. While ear infections are frequently related to kids, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, and they lead to irritation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, soreness, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a doctor 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.
Carefully and successfully eliminate earwax
Earwax, despite being annoying, plays a crucial role in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from entering your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a concern, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
The first step in avoiding hearing problems caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent decades reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. 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 purchasing over-the-counter drops. Allow the drops to sit there for a short while, then tilt your head to facilitate drainage. Consider getting in touch with an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. They have special tools to make the job easier.
Prescription or over-the-counter medicines might be to blame
An abbrupt decline in your hearing abilities after starting a new medication 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 you are concerned about this matter, consult your physician as soon as possible to find out whether you should keep taking your medication.
Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing should get checked out right away.
Contact a hearing care professional if you are noticing hearing loss this season.
