The fall season is a standout period 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 family 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. Luckily, if you have problems with your hearing, it may be temporary and caused by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Follow these guidelines to protect your hearing and fully savor the fall season.
Tips for protecting your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence revealing that exposure to loud sounds can lead to temporary hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into a permanent issue. 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 trigger short-term hearing impairment, and though timely medical intervention might decrease the effect, it is tough 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 come in at 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also harm your hearing. Reconsider putting on earbuds and cranking up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. Regrettably, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Fall’s festivities typically feature outdoor get-togethers and live music performances. The enjoyable weather persists, making it an optimal time to head to a local park, where you can fire up a barbecue and take pleasure in a peaceful picnic on a blanket. Exercise caution when sitting directly beside the speakers because you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts frequently reach unsafe decibel levels even at a significant distance.
So what can you do?
The most ideal thing you can do for yourself is to wear earplugs. By taking precautions, you can decrease the risk of hearing damage while still being able to completely experience the music and fireworks display. As tempting as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Keep your ears warm in chilly temperatures
Protecting your ears as the weather cools down and more windy is essential to avoid infections. Make certain that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. You may think of your children and grandchildren when you think of ear infections, but adults get them too. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also result in irritation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, soreness, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a doctor right away. Not seeking treatment for this problem, which could be a warning of an underlying medical condition, presents risks to your health.
Safely clear out earwax
Earwax, in spite of being annoying, plays a crucial part in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from reaching your inner ear. However, a surplus 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 might have spent decades reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clean wax, but please break that habit. Cotton swabs force the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Think about utilizing ear cleaning solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to carefully clean your ears. Allow the drops to sit there for a short while, then tilt your head to help with drainage. Think about consulting 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 job.
Prescription or over-the-counter medicines might be to blame
A sudden decline in your hearing abilities after beginning a new medication 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 this is an issue for you, call your physician immediately and ask whether you should keep taking your medications.
Remember, any changes in your hearing should get assessed right away.
If you’re noticing a decline in your hearing this season, think about speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for guidance.
