Autumn is one of the best times of the year. Imagine yourself sitting back and enjoying the sounds– kids laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your loved ones around the table at Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muted.
Failing to hear these sounds can considerably diminish the cheery atmosphere. The good thing is, 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 safeguard your hearing and fully savor the autumn season.
How to protect your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause temporary hearing loss, and if the exposure goes on over time, it can develop into a lasting condition. Loud noises damage the sensitive parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to minimize the issue.
A sudden, extremely loud noise like an explosion can trigger short-term hearing loss, and although prompt medical assistance might reduce the effect, it is tough to prevent. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured at 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Think twice about putting on 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.)
Autumn’s festivities typically feature outdoor parties and live music performances. The pleasant weather persists, making it an ideal time to head to a local park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a peaceful picnic on a blanket. Exercise caution when sitting directly beside the speakers because you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Even further away, the decibel level at concerts is usually in the danger zone.
So what should you do?
Safeguarding your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most beneficial things you can do. By taking precautions, you can decrease the risk of hearing damage while still being able to completely experience the music and fireworks display. Resist the urge to edge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how tempting it may be.
Safeguard your ears from cold weather
It is imperative to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes stronger. Make sure that you and your family are wearing ear protection like 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 result in inflammation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you might experience.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a physician right away. Not getting treatment for this problem, which might be a warning of an underlying medical condition, presents dangers to your health.
Gently and successfully eliminate earwax
That pesky earwax might get on your nerves, but it performs the essential purpose of trapping dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a concern, particularly if it obstructs your hearing.
The first action in preventing hearing issues caused by earwax is prevention. You might have spent years grabbing a cotton swab or some other item to clean wax, but please break that habit. Using cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, potentially leading to a blockage and impaired hearing.
Think about using ear cleaning solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to gently cleanse your ears. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tip 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
An abbrupt decrease in your hearing abilities after beginning a new medication could be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If this is an issue for you, call your doctor immediately and inquire whether you should keep using your medications.
Be sure to have any decline in your hearing immediately checked out.
If you’re detecting a decrease in your hearing this season, consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for guidance.
