The fall season is a standout time in the annual calendar. Imagine yourself sitting back and enjoying the sounds– children laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your family around the table at Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.
Failing to hear these sounds can significantly diminish the festive atmosphere. The good thing is, many hearing issues are non permanent and can be resolved by dealing with underlying causes that are often simple to correct or prevent. Follow these suggestions to safeguard your hearing and fully appreciate the fall season.
Tips for protecting your hearing
There is indisputable evidence showing that exposure to loud sounds can result in short-term hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into a permanent problem. Excessive volume can harm the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is important to take measures to minimize the danger.
A quick, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can result in temporary hearing impairment, and although prompt medical intervention may decrease the impact, it is difficult to prevent. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can cause hearing damage and is generally 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 danger to your hearing. Be cautious when boosting the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. (Regrettably, there are no exemptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Fall’s festivities often feature outdoor get-togethers and live music events. The weather is still lovely, and you might find yourself in a park where you can set up a grill and lay down a blanket. Use prudence when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts frequently reach unsafe decibel levels even at a significant distance.
So what can you do?
Safeguarding your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. By taking safety measures, you can minimize the danger of hearing damage while still being able to fully enjoy the music and fireworks show. Avoid the impulse to edge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how enticing it may be.
Keep your ears warm in chilly temperatures
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 are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently related to children, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not only limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they lead to irritation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you might experience.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Not getting treatment for this issue, which could be a warning of a hidden medical condition, poses risks to your well-being.
Safely clean out earwax
That annoying earwax might get on your nerves, but it serves the essential function of trapping dirt, bugs, and debris before they get into your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become a problem, especially if it impedes your ability to hear effectively.
Prevention is essential to preventing hearing issues caused by earwax. You may have spent many years using a cotton swab or another tool to remove earwax, but it’s time to stop that method. Using cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, potentially resulting in a buildup and impaired hearing.
Think about using ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to gently clean your ears. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tip your head to let them drain. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are afraid that the blockage is too much, consult a hearing specialist. Special tools are available to them that will simplify the job.
Medications might be the cause
If you beging taking a new medication and discovered that you suddenly have a more difficult time hearing, it could be the medication. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and different medications like diuretics can cause issues with hearing. If you are worried about this matter, contact your doctor right away to find out whether you should keep using your medication.
Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing should get checked out immediately.
Get in touch with a hearing care professional if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.