The fall season is a standout period 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 loved ones around the table at Thanksgiving. Now picture a situation where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to experience these sounds can substantially lessen the festive atmosphere. The good news is, if you have problems with your hearing, it might be short-term and caused by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Follow these suggestions to protect your hearing and fully savor the autumn season.
Tips for preserving your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that extended exposure to loud sounds can result in non permanent hearing loss, and if the exposure continues over time, it can become a lasting condition. Loud noises damage the sensitive parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to mitigate the problem.
A sudden, extremely loud noise like an explosion can trigger temporary hearing loss, and though prompt medical assistance 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 clocks in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured at 120 decibels. In addition to 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 result in damage. Regrettably, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Fall’s festivities often feature outdoor get-togethers and live music performances. The pleasant weather continues, making it an optimal time to head to a local park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Be careful, though, if you sit directly in front of the speakers, you may be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Even further back, the decibel level at concerts is usually in the danger zone.
So what should you do?
Protecting your hearing by wearing earplugs is one of the most beneficial things you can do. By taking precautions, you can decrease the risk of hearing damage while still being able to completely experience the music and fireworks show. Avoid the urge to nudge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how enticing it may be.
Keep your ears warm in cool temperatures
It is essential to protect your ears from infections as the temperature decreases and the wind becomes stronger. Be sure you and your family are using ear muffs or a hat. You might think of your children and grandchildren when you think of ear infections, but adults get them as well. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they result in irritation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you might experience.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. Not seeking treatment for this problem, which could be a warning of a hidden medical condition, presents risks to your well-being.
Safely clean out earwax
Earwax, despite being bothersome, plays a crucial part in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from entering your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become an issue, especially if it obstructs your ability to hear properly.
The first step in avoiding hearing problems caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent decades grabbing a cotton swab or some other item to clean wax, but please break that habit. 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, such as hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to carefully cleanse your ears. Allow the drops to sit for a little while, then tilt your head to facilitate drainage. Think about 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 simplify the task.
Prescription or over-the-counter drugs might be to blame
If you started a new medication and discovered that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it could be the medication. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and different medications like diuretics can trigger issues with hearing. If this is an issue for you, call your doctor immediately and inquire whether you should continue taking your medications.
Be certain to have any decrease in your hearing promptly examined.
Get in touch with a hearing care specialist if you are noticing hearing loss this season.