The fall season is a standout time in the yearly calendar. 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 under your feet on a brisk fall day, the relaxing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family sitting around the table on Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muted.
Failing to experience these sounds can considerably lessen the cheery atmosphere. Fortunately, many hearing issues are temporary and can be managed by addressing underlying causes that are usually easy to fix or prevent. Take these actions to protect your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
How to protect your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence revealing that exposure to loud noises can lead to temporary hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into an irreversible problem. Excessive volume can damage the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is essential to take steps to minimize the danger.
A single, very loud noise like an explosion can cause temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
The noise level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens are a far louder 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also harm your hearing. Think twice about putting in earbuds and turning up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. Regrettably, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the highlights of autumn are outdoor gatherings and performances. The enjoyable 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 peaceful picnic on a blanket. Take care, though, if you sit right in front of the speakers, you might be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Concerts often reach hazardous decibel levels even at a significant distance.
What’s the best course of action to take?
The most ideal thing you can do for yourself is to wear earplugs. By taking precautions, you can minimize the risk of hearing damage while still being able to fully experience the music and fireworks show. As alluring as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Protect your ears from cold weather
Protecting your ears as the weather gets colder and more windy is essential to avoid infections. Be sure you and your family are wearing 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 irritation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you may encounter.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. It could be a sign of another medical issue, and lack of treatment is dangerous not just for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Safely clean out earwax
Earwax, in spite of being bothersome, plays a crucial role in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from reaching your inner ear. However, an overabundance of earwax can become a problem, particularly if it impedes your ability to hear properly.
The first step in preventing hearing problems caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent many years utilizing a cotton swab or another tool to remove earwax, but it’s time to stop that practice. Making use of cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, potentially resulting in a blockage and impaired hearing.
Consider utilizing ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to gently cleanse your ears. 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. Special tools are available to them that will streamline the job.
Prescription or over-the-counter drugs could be to blame
An abbrupt decline in your hearing abilities after beginning a new prescription might be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and different medications such as diuretics can cause issues with hearing. If you are concerned about this matter, contact your physician right away to find out whether you should keep using your medication.
Be certain to have any decline in your hearing promptly examined.
If you’re detecting a decline in your hearing this season, think about speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.
