The fall season is a standout period in the annual calendar. Imagine yourself sitting back and enjoying the sounds– kids laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your family around the table at Thanksgiving. Now picture a situation where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to experience these sounds can considerably diminish the cheery atmosphere. The good thing is, many hearing issues are temporary and can be resolved by dealing with underlying causes that are often easy to correct or prevent. Follow these suggestions to protect your hearing and fully appreciate the autumn season.
Tips for protecting your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that extended exposure to loud sounds can cause temporary hearing impairment, and if the exposure continues 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 steps to limit the danger.
A one-time, very loud noise like an explosion can cause short-term hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s difficult to avoid. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can cause hearing damage and is generally more preventable.
Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured at 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a threat to your hearing. Be careful when increasing the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. (Unfortunately, there are no exemptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the highlights of autumn are outdoor gatherings and performances. The pleasant weather continues, making it an optimal time to head to a nearby park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Be careful, though, if you sit directly in front of the speakers, you may be hit with a whopping 140 decibels. Even further away, the decibel level at concerts is usually in the danger zone.
What’s the best course of action to take?
The best thing you can do for yourself is to wear earplugs. By taking safety measures, you can minimize the danger of hearing damage while still being able to fully experience the music and fireworks display. As tempting as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Keep your ears safe in chilly temperatures
Safeguarding your ears as the weather gets colder and more blustery is essential to avoid infections. Be sure you and your family are using ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often associated with kids, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is an outcome of these infections, which also lead to inflammation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a physician as soon as possible. Not getting treatment for this issue, which could be a warning of a hidden medical condition, presents dangers to your well-being.
Safely clear out earwax
That annoying earwax might get on your nerves, but it performs the important function of trapping dirt, bugs, and debris before they get into your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a concern, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
The first step in preventing hearing problems caused by earwax is prevention. You may 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.
Consider using ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to carefully clean your ears. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tip your head to let them drain. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are afraid that the blockage is too great, consult a hearing professional. Specialised tools are available to them that will streamline the task.
Medications may be the cause
If you beging taking a new medication and noticed that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it could be the medication. Some antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If this is a problem for you, call your doctor immediately and inquire whether you should keep taking your medications.
Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing should get checked out immediately.
Get in touch with a hearing care professional if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.