Autumn is one of the best times of the year. Picture yourself in a cozy setting, surrounded by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s giggles 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 picture a situation where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Missing out on these sounds can take the pleasure out of the season. Fortunately, many hearing issues are temporary and can be managed by dealing with underlying causes that are usually simple to fix or prevent. Take these actions to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
How to safeguard your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that extended exposure to loud noises can cause non permanent hearing loss, and if the exposure continues over time, it can become a permanent 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 such as an explosion can result in short-term hearing impairment, and though prompt medical assistance may decrease the impact, it is difficult to prevent. Longer 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 much louder 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a danger to your hearing. Be cautious when boosting 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 joys of autumn are outdoor gets together 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 peaceful picnic on a blanket. Take care, though, if you sit directly in front of the speakers, you might be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Even further back, the decibel level at concerts is usually in the danger zone.
So what can you do?
The best thing you can do for yourself is to wear earplugs. By taking precautions, you can decrease the danger of hearing damage while still being able to fully experience the music and fireworks show. Resist the urge to edge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how tempting it may be.
Protect your ears from cold weather
Protecting your ears as the weather gets colder and more blustery is essential to avoid infections. Be certain you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often associated with kids, 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 lead to irritation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. It could be an indication of another medical problem, and lack of treatment is hazardous not only for your hearing but also for your general health.
Safely clean out earwax
Earwax, despite being annoying, plays a crucial part in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from reaching your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a problem, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
The first action in avoiding 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. Cotton swabs force the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Consider utilizing ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to gently cleanse your ears. Allow the drops to sit there for a short while, then tilt your head to help with drainage. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are worried that the blockage is too much, consult a hearing professional. Specialised tools are available to them that will streamline the task.
Prescription or over-the-counter drugs might be to blame
If you beging taking a new medication and discovered that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it could be the medication. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and various medications such as diuretics can trigger problems with hearing. If you are concerned about this matter, consult your doctor as soon as possible to find out whether you should continue using your medication.
Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing should get checked out right away.
Contact a hearing care professional if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.
