Autumn is one of the best 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 imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muted.
Failing to experience these sounds can dramatically lessen the festive atmosphere. The good news is, if you have issues with your hearing, it might be short-term and triggered by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Take these steps to protect your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
Tips for protecting your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that prolonged exposure to loud sounds can cause temporary hearing impairment, and if the exposure goes on over time, it can develop into a lasting condition. Excessive volume can harm the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is essential to take steps to minimize the danger.
A sudden, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can result in short-term hearing impairment, and though prompt medical intervention may decrease the effect, it is tough to prevent. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can cause hearing damage and is generally more preventable.
The sound level of heavy traffic is about 85 decibels, while sirens are a far louder 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 closeness of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Autumn’s festivities often include outdoor parties 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 enjoy a peaceful picnic on a blanket. Use prudence when sitting directly in front of the speakers because you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Even further back, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.
What’s the best course of action to take?
Protecting your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most beneficial things you can do. You will still be able to hear the music and appreciate the fireworks, just with less potential harm to your hearing. As alluring as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night goes on.
Protect your ears from cold weather
Protecting your ears as the weather cools down and more windy is important to avoid infections. Make sure that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently related to kids, they can also impact grown-ups, and it’s not only limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also result in irritation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you might encounter.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a physician 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.
Gently and effectively eliminate earwax
That pesky earwax might get on your nerves, but it serves the important function of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they get into your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a concern, especially if it blocks your hearing.
Prevention is key to preventing hearing problems caused by earwax. You might have spent years reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Making use of cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, possibly resulting in a buildup and impaired hearing.
Consider utilizing ear cleaning solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to carefully clean your ears. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tilt 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. They have special tools to make the job easier.
Medications might be the cause
If you started a new medicine and discovered that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it might be the medication. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and different medications like diuretics can trigger problems with hearing. If you are worried about this matter, consult your physician as soon as possible to find out whether you should keep using your medication.
Remember, any changes in your hearing need to get checked out immediately.
If you’re detecting a decline in your hearing this season, consider speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for guidance.