Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. 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 situation 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 news is, if you have issues with your hearing, it might be temporary and triggered by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Follow these guidelines to safeguard your hearing and fully savor the fall season.
How to protect your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that prolonged exposure to loud sounds can cause non permanent hearing loss, and if the exposure continues 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 minimize the problem.
A quick, extremely loud noise like an explosion can trigger short-term hearing impairment, and though timely medical intervention might decrease the effect, it is tough to prevent. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is usually easier to avoid.
The sound level of heavy traffic is about 85 decibels, while sirens are a far louder 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage 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 indulging in your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Fall’s celebrations typically include outdoor get-togethers and live music events. The weather is still beautiful, and you may find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and spread out a blanket. Be careful, though, if you sit directly in front of the speakers, you may be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Concerts frequently reach hazardous decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
So what should you do?
The most ideal 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 potential damage to your hearing. As alluring as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Keep your ears warm in cool temperatures
Protecting your ears as the weather gets colder and more windy is important to avoid infections. Be certain you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. You may think of your children and grandchildren when you think of ear infections, but adults get them too. 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 may experience.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a doctor right away. It might be an indication of another medical issue, and lack of treatment is dangerous not only for your hearing but also for your general health.
Carefully and effectively eliminate earwax
That annoying earwax may get on your nerves, but it serves the important purpose of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they get into your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a problem, especially if it obstructs your hearing.
Prevention is key to preventing hearing issues caused by earwax. You might have spent decades grabbing a cotton swab or some other item to clean wax, but please break that habit. Using cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, potentially resulting in a blockage and impaired hearing.
Think about using ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to carefully cleanse your ears. Allow the drops to sit there for a short while, then incline 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. They have special instruments to make the job easier.
Medications may be the cause
If you started a new medicine and discovered that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it could be the medication. Certain antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If this is an issue for you, call your physician immediately and inquire whether you should keep using your medications.
Be sure to have any decrease in your hearing immediately examined.
Get in touch with a hearing care professional if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.