The fall season is a standout time in the annual calendar. Imagine yourself settling 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 picture a scenario 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. The good thing is, many hearing problems are temporary and can be managed by dealing with underlying causes that are often easy to correct or prevent. Take these actions to protect your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
Tips for protecting your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause non permanent hearing loss, and if the exposure goes on 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 mitigate the issue.
A quick, extremely loud noise like an explosion can result in temporary hearing impairment, and although prompt medical intervention might decrease the impact, it is tough to prevent. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can cause hearing damage and is generally more preventable.
Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens come in at 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a threat to your hearing. Be cautious when boosting the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. (Regrettably, there are no exemptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Fall’s celebrations typically feature outdoor get-togethers and live music events. The pleasant weather continues, 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. Exercise caution when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts frequently reach unsafe decibel levels even at a considerable 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 decrease the danger of hearing damage while still being able to completely enjoy the music and fireworks show. As tempting as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night goes on.
Keep your ears warm in cool temperatures
Protecting your ears as the weather gets colder and more windy is important to avoid infections. Make certain that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often associated with kids, they can also impact grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also result in inflammation. You might experience fluid draining from your ear, soreness, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a physician as soon as possible. It could be an indication of another medical issue, and lack of treatment is hazardous not only for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Carefully and successfully eliminate earwax
Earwax, in spite of being annoying, plays a crucial part in catching 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.
Prevention is essential to avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax. You might have spent many years utilizing a cotton swab or another tool to remove earwax, but it’s time to stop that practice. Using cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, possibly leading to a buildup and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by putting in drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying 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. Specialised tools are available to them that will simplify the job.
Prescription or over-the-counter medicines might be to blame
A sudden decrease in your hearing abilities after starting a new prescription might be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and different medications like diuretics can cause problems with hearing. If you are concerned about this matter, consult your doctor right away to find out whether you should keep using your medication.
Be sure to have any decline in your hearing immediately checked out.
Contact a hearing care specialist if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.