The fall season is a standout period 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 beneath 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 picture a scenario where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to experience these sounds can considerably diminish the festive atmosphere. The good news is, if you have problems with your hearing, it might be short-term and triggered by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Follow these suggestions to protect your hearing and fully savor the autumn season.
How to protect your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that prolonged exposure to loud sounds can cause temporary hearing loss, and if the exposure continues over time, it can become a permanent condition. Loud noises damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to mitigate the issue.
A quick, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can trigger temporary hearing impairment, and though prompt medical intervention may decrease the effect, it is difficult to prevent. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can cause hearing damage and is typically more preventable.
Heavy traffic clocks in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured at 120 decibels. Along with firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a threat to your hearing. Be cautious when boosting the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for indulging in your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the highlights of fall are outdoor gatherings and concerts. The enjoyable weather continues, making it an optimal time to head to a nearby park, where you can fire up a barbecue and take pleasure in a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Use caution when sitting directly beside the speakers because you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. 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 use earplugs. You will still be able to hear the music and appreciate the fireworks, just with less possible damage to your hearing. As alluring as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Safeguard your ears from cold weather
It is essential to protect your ears from infections as the temperature decreases and the wind becomes stronger. Make certain that you and your family have on ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. You may think of your children and grandchildren when you consider ear infections, but adults get them too. These infections cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, and they lead to inflammation. You might experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a physician right away. It could be an indication of another medical problem, and lack of treatment is hazardous not just for your hearing but also for your general health.
Carefully and effectively eliminate earwax
That pesky earwax may get on your nerves, but it performs the important purpose of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they get into your inner ear. However, an overabundance of earwax can become an issue, especially if it impedes your ability to hear properly.
Prevention is essential to preventing hearing issues caused by earwax. You may have spent decades reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clean wax, but please break that habit. Cotton swabs push the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Try cleaning your ears by using drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. Allow the drops to sit there for a little while, then incline your head to help with drainage. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are afraid that the blockage is too much, consult a hearing professional. Specialised tools are available to them that will simplify the job.
Prescription or over-the-counter medicines might be to blame
An abbrupt decline in your hearing abilities after beginning a new prescription 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 you are concerned about this matter, contact your physician right away to figure out whether you should keep using your medication.
Be sure to have any decrease in your hearing immediately examined.
If you’re noticing a decline in your hearing this season, consider speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.
