Autumn is one of the best times of the year. Picture yourself in a relaxing setting, surrounded 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 brisk fall day, the soothing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family gathered around the table on Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.
Missing out on these sounds can take the joy out of the season. Fortunately, many hearing problems are non permanent and can be resolved by dealing with underlying causes that are usually easy to fix or prevent. Follow these suggestions to protect your hearing and fully savor the fall season.
How to protect your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence revealing that exposure to loud sounds can result in temporary hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into a permanent issue. Excessive volume can damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is important to take measures to limit the danger.
A single, very loud sound like an explosion can lead to temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s hard to avoid. 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 is about 85 decibels, while sirens reach a far louder 120 decibels. Along with 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 cause damage. (Unfortunately, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Fall’s festivities typically feature outdoor get-togethers and live music performances. The pleasant weather persists, making it an ideal time to head to a nearby park, where you can fire up a barbecue and take pleasure in a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Be careful, though, if you sit directly in front of the speakers, you may be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Even further away, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.
So what should you do?
Safeguarding your hearing by wearing earplugs is one of the most beneficial things you can do. By taking precautions, you can minimize the danger of hearing damage while still being able to completely experience the music and fireworks display. Resist the urge to nudge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how tempting it might be.
Keep your ears warm in chilly temperatures
Safeguarding your ears as the weather cools down and more blustery is important to avoid infections. Be sure 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 too. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is an outcome of these infections, which also result in inflammation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, soreness, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a physician as soon as possible. Not seeking treatment for this problem, which could be a warning of a hidden medical condition, presents dangers to your well-being.
Safely clean out earwax
Earwax, in spite of being bothersome, plays a crucial role in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from entering your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a problem, especially if it obstructs your hearing.
The first action in preventing hearing issues caused by earwax is prevention. You might have spent years reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Making use of cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, possibly leading to a blockage and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by using drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. 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 much, visit a hearing specialist. Specialised tools are available to them that will simplify the task.
Prescription or over-the-counter medicines could be to blame
If you beging taking a new medication and discovered that you suddenly have a more difficult time hearing, it might be the medication. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and different medications such as diuretics can trigger issues with hearing. If you are worried about this matter, consult your doctor as soon as possible to find out whether you should continue taking your medication.
Be certain to have any decline in your hearing promptly examined.
Get in touch with a hearing care specialist if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.
