The fall season is a standout period in the yearly calendar. Imagine yourself settling back and enjoying the sounds– children laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your family around the table at Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muted.
Failing to experience these sounds can considerably diminish the cheery atmosphere. The good news is, if you have problems with your hearing, it might be short-term and triggered by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Take these steps to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
How to protect your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that extended exposure to loud noises can result in temporary hearing loss, and if the exposure goes on over time, it can become a permanent condition. Excessive volume can harm the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is essential to take steps to limit the danger.
A sudden, extremely loud noise like an explosion can trigger short-term hearing loss, and although timely medical intervention might reduce the effect, it is tough to prevent. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can lead to hearing damage and is typically more preventable.
Heavy traffic clocks in at 85 decibels, and sirens come in at 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Reconsider putting in earbuds and cranking up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. (Regrettably, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Fall’s festivities typically include outdoor get-togethers and live music events. The enjoyable weather persists, making it an ideal time to head to a local park, where you can fire up a barbecue and take pleasure in a peaceful picnic on a blanket. Take care, though, if you sit right in front of the speakers, you might be hit with a whopping 140 decibels. Even further back, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.
So what should you do?
Safeguarding your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. By taking precautions, you can minimize the danger of hearing damage while still being able to fully experience the music and fireworks show. As tempting as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Keep your ears safe in cool temperatures
Safeguarding your ears as the weather gets colder and more windy is essential to prevent infections. Be certain you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently associated with children, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not only limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also result in inflammation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you may experience.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. Not getting treatment for this problem, which might be a warning of a hidden medical condition, poses risks to your health.
Safely clear out earwax
That annoying earwax may get on your nerves, but it performs the essential purpose of trapping dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become a problem, especially if it impedes your ability to hear properly.
Prevention is key to avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax. You might have spent years grabbing a cotton swab or some other item to clean wax, but please break that habit. Making use of cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, possibly leading to a buildup and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by using 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. Consider getting in touch with an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. They have specific tools to make the job easier.
Medications may be the cause
If you started a new medicine and discovered that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it might be the medication. Some antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If you are worried about this matter, consult your doctor as soon as possible to figure out whether you should continue taking your medication.
Be certain to have any decline in your hearing promptly examined.
If you’re noticing a decrease in your hearing this season, think about consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.