Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Imagine yourself sitting 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 muffled.
Failing to experience these sounds can dramatically diminish the festive atmosphere. Fortunately, many hearing issues are non permanent and can be resolved by addressing underlying causes that are usually easy to fix or prevent. Take these actions to protect your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
Tips for preserving your hearing
There is indisputable evidence revealing that exposure to loud noises can lead to temporary hearing loss and that long-term exposure can turn it into a long-term issue. Loud noises damage the delicate 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 temporary hearing loss, and although timely medical assistance may reduce 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 comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens come in at 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Think twice about 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 celebrations often feature outdoor parties and live music events. The pleasant 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. Exercise caution when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts often reach unsafe decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
So what can you do?
The most ideal thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. By taking precautions, you can decrease the danger of hearing damage while still being able to completely enjoy the music and fireworks show. Resist the impulse to nudge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how enticing it might be.
Keep your ears safe in chilly temperatures
Safeguarding your ears as the weather gets colder and more blustery is essential to avoid infections. Make sure that you and your family have on ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often related to children, they can also affect 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 lead to inflammation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you may encounter.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. Not seeking treatment for this issue, which might be a warning of a hidden medical condition, poses risks to your health.
Carefully and successfully eliminate earwax
Earwax, despite being annoying, plays a crucial role in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from entering your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become a problem, particularly if it obstructs your ability to hear properly.
The first action in preventing hearing issues 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. Making use of cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, possibly resulting in a buildup and impaired hearing.
Consider using ear cleaning solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to carefully cleanse your ears. Allow the drops to sit for a little while, then tilt your head to help with drainage. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are afraid that the blockage is too much, consult a hearing specialist. They have specific instruments to make the job easier.
Medications may be the cause
If you beging taking a new medication and noticed that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it could be the medication. Some antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If this is a problem for you, call your doctor immediately and inquire whether you should keep taking your medications.
Be certain to have any decrease in your hearing promptly examined.
Contact a hearing care specialist if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.