The fall season is a standout time in the yearly 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 imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.
Failing to experience these sounds can substantially lessen the cheery atmosphere. The good news is, if you have issues with your hearing, it might be temporary and triggered by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Follow these guidelines to protect your hearing and fully savor the fall season.
Tips for preserving your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that extended exposure to loud sounds can result in temporary hearing loss, and if the exposure goes on over time, it can become a lasting condition. Loud noises damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to mitigate the issue.
A quick, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can result in short-term hearing loss, and although prompt medical assistance may reduce the impact, it is difficult to prevent. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, however, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured at 120 decibels. Along with firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a danger to your hearing. Be careful when boosting the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. (Regrettably, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the highlights of fall are outdoor gatherings and concerts. The enjoyable weather continues, making it an ideal time to head to a nearby park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Be careful, though, if you sit right in front of the speakers, you might be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Even further away, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.
What’s the most effective course of action to take?
The most ideal thing you can do for yourself is to wear earplugs. By taking safety measures, you can minimize the risk of hearing damage while still being able to fully experience the music and fireworks display. Resist the urge to nudge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how tempting it may be.
Keep your ears safe in chilly temperatures
Protecting your ears as the weather gets colder and more blustery is essential to avoid infections. Be sure you and your family are using ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often related to kids, they can also impact grown-ups, and it’s not only limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid build-up in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also lead to inflammation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you might experience.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a doctor right away. It could be an indication of another medical problem, and lack of treatment is dangerous not just for your hearing but also for your general health.
Safely clear out earwax
That pesky earwax might get on your nerves, but it performs the important function of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become a problem, 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 many years utilizing a cotton swab or another tool to remove earwax, but it’s time to stop that practice. Using cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, possibly leading to a buildup and impaired hearing.
Think about utilizing ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to carefully cleanse your ears. 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 specialist. They have special instruments to make the job easier.
Prescription or over-the-counter medicines could be to blame
If you beging taking a new medicine and discovered that you suddenly have a more difficult time hearing, it could be the medication. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and different medications such as diuretics can trigger problems with hearing. If you are worried about this matter, consult your doctor right away to figure out whether you should keep taking your medication.
Be sure to have any decrease in your hearing promptly examined.
Get in touch with a hearing care professional if you are noticing hearing loss this season.