The fall season is a standout period in the annual calendar. Picture yourself in a cozy setting, enveloped by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s giggles on Halloween, the rustle of leaves under your feet on a brisk autumn day, the soothing 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 hear these sounds can significantly lessen the cheery atmosphere. The good thing is, many hearing issues are non permanent and can be managed by dealing with underlying causes that are usually simple to fix or prevent. Take these steps to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
Tips for preserving your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that extended exposure to loud sounds can result in temporary hearing impairment, and if the exposure continues over time, it can develop into a lasting condition. Excessive volume can damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is important to take steps to minimize the danger.
A quick, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can trigger short-term hearing impairment, and although timely medical intervention might reduce the effect, it is difficult to prevent. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can lead to hearing damage and is generally more preventable.
Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens come in at 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also harm your hearing. Reconsider putting in earbuds and turning up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. (Unfortunately, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the joys of fall are outdoor gets together and performances. The weather is still beautiful, and you might find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and lay down a blanket. Take care, though, if you sit right in front of the speakers, you might be hit with a whopping 140 decibels. Even further away, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.
So what should you do?
The best thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. You will still be able to hear the music and enjoy the fireworks, just with reduced 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 safe in chilly temperatures
Protecting your ears as the weather gets colder and more blustery is essential to prevent infections. Be sure you and your family are wearing 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. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is an outcome of these infections, which also lead to irritation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you may encounter.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. It might be a sign of another medical concern, and lack of treatment is dangerous not just for your hearing but also for your general health.
Safely clear out earwax
That annoying earwax might get on your nerves, but it serves the important function of trapping dirt, bugs, and debris before they get into your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become an issue, especially if it impedes your ability to hear effectively.
The first action in avoiding hearing problems caused by earwax is prevention. You might have spent many years using a cotton swab or another tool to get rid of earwax, but it’s time to stop that practice. Cotton swabs force the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Try cleaning your ears by putting in drops of hydrogen peroxide or purchasing over-the-counter drops. 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 great, consult a hearing professional. Special tools are available to them that will streamline the job.
Medications might be the cause
If you beging taking a new medicine and noticed that you suddenly have a more difficult time hearing, it could be the medication. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and various medications like diuretics can trigger issues with hearing. If you are worried about this matter, consult your physician right away to find out whether you should continue taking your medication.
Be sure to have any decrease in your hearing immediately checked out.
Contact a hearing care professional if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.